Jersey City continues to cement itself as one of New Jersey’s most vibrant creative hubs, and this week the spotlight belongs to local author and activist Lisa Hurley. Her debut book, Space to Exhale, has earned not one but two prestigious Anthem Awards—recognition that underscores the growing cultural impact of her work and its resonance far beyond the Garden State. The book, celebrated for its focus on self-care, rest, and communal well-being, aligns seamlessly with New Jersey’s expanding arts and wellness landscape and makes for a timely addition to our book and entertainment news coverage.
The press announcement for the awards lists Hurley’s home base as Jersey City, a detail that highlights just how deeply rooted she is in the community she often writes and advocates for. As the founder of The Great Exhale, a global initiative devoted to rest, healing, and joy—especially for Black women navigating the pressures of modern life—Hurley has established herself as an essential voice in a movement that has gained international attention in recent years.
Her debut has captured both a Bronze Anthem Award and an Anthem Community Voice Award, honors reserved for works that drive positive social change and elevate meaningful dialogue. These awards place Space to Exhale among the ranks of high-impact projects recognized for inspiring action, fostering inclusion, and amplifying underrepresented voices. For a first-time author, the achievement signals not only literary success but cultural significance.
Space to Exhale invites readers into a conversation about the power of intentional rest, encouraging individuals to reclaim their time, energy, and emotional space in a world that often demands constant output. Through storytelling, practical guidance, and an unapologetic commitment to centering Black women’s experiences, Hurley challenges the narrative that productivity must come before personal well-being. Her work is both personal and universal, speaking to anyone seeking balance, sanctuary, and a reminder that rest is not a luxury—it is a birthright.
The recognition also shines a light on Jersey City’s evolving creative ecosystem, where authors, artists, musicians, and cultural organizers continue to push boundaries. Hurley’s success adds to a growing list of local voices being heard on national and global stages, reinforcing the city’s reputation as one of New Jersey’s most dynamic cultural capitals.
With momentum building and readers embracing her message, Lisa Hurley’s rise represents more than one author’s breakthrough—it reflects a broader cultural shift that values mental health, community care, and the transformative power of slowing down. Space to Exhale has become both a guidebook and a rallying call, and its award-winning reception marks a milestone not just for Hurley, but for the movement she has helped shape.
As New Jersey’s creative storytellers continue to gain recognition across the country, Hurley’s achievements serve as a reminder of the depth, talent, and innovation emerging from our communities. Her voice is one that New Jersey can proudly claim—one that is already making a lasting impact well beyond state lines.
