D. Watkins

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Baltimore writer D. Watkins wins a James Beard Media Award

Biography

D. Watkins is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author renowned for his impactful narratives. Most recently, D. was awarded the James Beard Media Award in their beverage category of the culinary industry’s premier journalism, book, and broadcast honors for “distinctive style, thorough knowledge, plainspoken prose, and innovative approach in a single article on alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.

Watkins is acclaimed for works such as "The Beast Side," "The Cook Up," "Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised," and "We Speak for Ourselves"—the latter being selected as the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s 2020 One Book Baltimore pick. In May 2023, he unveiled his newest literary endeavor, "Black Boy Smile." Additionally, Watkins serves as Editor-at-Large for Salon

Currently, D. Watkins is writing/developing a movie for George Pelecanos at HBO. Watkins is credited as a writer on the HBO mini-series "We Own This City," from THE WIRE’s George Pelecanos and David Simon. He also hosts the show’s accompanying podcast and was featured in the HBO documentary, "The Slow Hustle." His writing prowess extends across various esteemed platforms, including the New York Times, Esquire, New York Times Magazine, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone.

An educator, Watkins imparts his wisdom as a college lecturer at the University of Baltimore, where he earned an MFA in Creative Writing. He holds a Master of Education degree from Johns Hopkins University, showcasing his commitment to both literary excellence and pedagogical innovation.

Watkins has been honored with the Johns Hopkins Distinguished Alumnus Award, the BMe Genius Grant for Dynamic Black Leaders, and the City Lit Dambach Award for Service to the Literary Arts. He has also been the recipient of the Maryland Library Association’s William Wilson Maryland Author Award and Ford’s Men of Courage Award for Black Male Storytellers. Notably, he was a finalist for a 2016 Hurston Wright Legacy Award, while "The Cook Up" garnered recognition as a 2017 Books for a Better Life finalist.