SPOTLIGHT: Chinua Achebe
Born on November 16, 1930, in Ogidi, Nigeria.
He was the fifth of six children and his parents were devout Christians.
His father was a teacher and Achebe grew up in an environment where education was highly valued.
He attended the University of Ibadan and studied English literature, history, and theology.
In 1958, he published his first novel, “Things Fall Apart,” which has since become a classic of African literature.
He was an outspoken critic of colonialism and its effects on African societies.
He was involved in Nigerian politics and was an advocate for democracy and social justice.
He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Man Booker International Prize in 2007.
He died on March 21, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 82.
Chinua Achebe’s legacy as a writer and cultural ambassador for Africa continues to inspire and influence writers and readers around the world.
His life and times teach us to use the gifts in our hands to achieve our dreams.
Chinua Achebe used his writing gifts to challenge status quo, inspire his generation and his life is an inspiration to even generation yet unborn.
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR GIFT AS A WRITER?