April 24, 2012 - Donna A. Barnes, associate professor and head of the University of Wyoming Department of Sociology, received the prestigious Louisiana Literary Award given by the Louisiana Library Association.
Barnes received the award for her acclaimed book, "The Louisiana Populist Movement 1881--1900." Published by LSU Press, the book chronicles the history of the Populist Movement in Louisiana and uses a combination of sociological theories to explain why the movement was ultimately unsuccessful in creating social and political change.
Barnes is researching several social movements: the anti-draft movement at Wyoming's Heart Mountain Japanese-American relocation center during World War II; the United Farm Workers and the Texas farm workers movements; and the Sagebrush Rebellion, which was part of the Wise Use movement.
The Louisiana Literary Award is awarded each year to a book that promotes interest in Louisiana. The award committee evaluates books based on their merit, treatment of Louisiana life, interpretation of Louisiana heritage and possible value to the state's permanent record.
Source: University of Wyoming
