Broward County Judge and Award-Winning Author Woody R. Clermont Earns Two National Literary Honors for “The Golden Mansaic Age: The Legendary Malian Empire”
Award-winning author and Broward County Court Judge Woody R. Clermont has received two prestigious literary honors for
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Award-winning author and Broward County Court Judge Woody R. Clermont has received two prestigious literary honors for his book, “The Golden Mansaic Age: The Legendary Malian Empire.” The book was named a 2026 Distinguished Favorite by the NYC Big Book Award and a 2026 Finalist by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Clermont has authored more than 40 books through Woody Clermont Book Publications and has earned numerous literary awards for his literary contributions.
Davie, FL October 11, 2026 –(PR.com)– Clermont’s acclaimed historical work receives the 2026 NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite recognition and a 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist designation.
Award-winning author, attorney, scholar, and Broward County Court Judge Woody R. Clermont has earned two major literary distinctions for his historical nonfiction book, The Golden Mansaic Age: The Legendary Malian Empire, published by Woody Clermont Book Publications.
The book was named a 2026 Distinguished Favorite by the NYC Big Book Award and was also recognized as a 2026 Finalist in the African American Nonfiction category of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. These honors add to Clermont’s growing collection of literary achievements and reflect his commitment to bringing African history, culture, and intellectual contributions to a wider audience.
The NYC Big Book Award recognizes literary excellence among independently and traditionally published authors. Clermont’s latest distinction will be celebrated at the organization’s 2027 Awards Gala on Saturday, April 10, 2027, during a formal evening featuring a red-carpet reception, dinner, and awards ceremony in the New York City metropolitan area.
Rediscovering the Greatness of the Malian Empire
The Golden Mansaic Age: The Legendary Malian Empire explores one of Africa’s most extraordinary periods of political, economic, and cultural achievement. Through the history of the medieval Mali Empire, Clermont examines the wealth, scholarship, leadership, commerce, and institutions that helped establish West Africa as an important center of world civilization.
The book challenges narrow historical narratives that overlook Africa’s contributions to global development. By illuminating the achievements of the Malian Empire, Clermont seeks to encourage readers to appreciate the sophistication of African societies long before European colonial expansion.
“History becomes more meaningful when we recognize the contributions of civilizations that have too often been overlooked,” said Clermont. “The Mali Empire reminds us that Africa has a remarkable history of scholarship, economic innovation, leadership, and cultural achievement. Receiving these two honors is especially meaningful because it helps bring that history to readers who might otherwise never encounter it.”
An Accomplished Author With More Than 40 Published Books
Clermont is the author of more than 40 books, published through his independent imprint, Woody Clermont Book Publications. His writing spans history, law, economics, philosophy, spirituality, personal development, and fiction.
His literary achievements include awards and recognitions from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, The BookFest, Literary Moments magazine’s Black Authors Awards, the Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Awards, and the Literary Global Book Awards.
He has also received finalist distinctions from the Storytrade Awards, the Eric Hoffer Book Awards, and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
These recognitions reflect Clermont’s dedication to producing intellectually engaging works that challenge conventional perspectives, illuminate neglected histories, and encourage readers to think critically about society and the human experience.
A Remarkable Academic Journey: Ten Earned Degrees and a Doctorate in Progress
Beyond his literary accomplishments, Clermont has pursued an extensive academic journey encompassing multiple disciplines.
He holds ten earned academic degrees, including:
Two associate degrees
Three bachelor’s degrees
Four master’s degrees
One Juris Doctor degree
Clermont’s most recent degree was his Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University, for which he received a “Graduate with High Distinction” on the diploma due to a perfect 4.0 GPA in the program. His studies span disciplines that inform his work as a writer, attorney, educator, and public servant. Clermont is currently pursuing a Doctor of Organizational Leadership and Innovation, continuing his academic exploration of leadership, organizational development, and social impact.
His multidisciplinary background shapes his distinctive approach to historical research and writing, allowing him to connect legal principles, economics, social institutions, and cultural history in ways that make complex subjects accessible to a broad readership.
A Historic Judicial Career and Commitment to Public Service
Clermont also serves as a County Court Judge in Broward County, Florida, where he made history as the first Haitian-American male elected to judicial office in Broward County.
His career in the legal profession spans more than two decades and includes extensive experience in public service and the administration of justice.
In addition to his judicial responsibilities and literary work, Clermont maintains an active commitment to community involvement and mentorship.
He is a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, an organization with a longstanding tradition of scholarship, leadership, and service. He is also a member of the Circle of Brotherhood, an organization dedicated to community empowerment and positive social change. Clermont also possesses a gold and silver life membership with his local NAACP branch.
Clermont further serves as a member of two Kiwanis clubs, participating in an international service tradition focused on improving the lives of children and strengthening communities. He also volunteers as a mentor through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, serving as a Big to a Little and helping support the next generation through personal guidance and encouragement.
His commitment to education, mentorship, and civic engagement reflects his belief that professional and academic achievement should be accompanied by meaningful service to others.
Recognition Beyond the Written Page
For Clermont, the latest literary honors represent more than individual accolades. They provide opportunities to introduce new audiences to African history while demonstrating the possibilities available to independent authors and publishers.
Through Woody Clermont Book Publications, he continues to develop works that encourage intellectual curiosity, cultural awareness, historical understanding, and personal growth.
The dual recognition of The Golden Mansaic Age: The Legendary Malian Empire by the NYC Big Book Award and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards further establishes the book among the noteworthy independent historical nonfiction publications recognized in 2026.
About Woody R. Clermont
Woody R. Clermont, J.D., is an award-winning author, attorney, scholar, educator, and Broward County Court Judge. He is the first Haitian-American male elected to the judiciary in Broward County, Florida. With more than 40 published books and ten earned academic degrees, Clermont has developed a multidisciplinary body of work exploring history, law, economics, spirituality, philosophy, and fiction.
He has received numerous literary awards and finalist distinctions from national and international book award programs. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Innovation and remains actively involved in mentorship, fraternal organizations, and community service.
His books are published by Woody Clermont Book Publications.
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