The Walt Whitman Award is a prestigious poetry prize established by the Academy of American Poets in 1975. It honors an American poet's first book of poetry and aims to promote the work of emerging writers. The award includes a cash prize and the publication of the winning manuscript by Graywolf Press. Winners of the Walt Whitman Award receive recognition for their contributions to contemporary poetry. The award is named after the influential poet Walt Whitman, known for his groundbreaking work, Leaves of Grass. This accolade helps to elevate new voices in the literary community.