#KwubieYa: Who is Chinua Achebe?

Chinua Achebe (born Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe on November 16, 1930, in Ogidi, Nigeria – died March 21, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA) was a renowned Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. He is best known for his novel “Things Fall Apart” (1958), which is considered one of the most significant works in African literature and has been translated into more than 50 languages.

Key Facts about Chinua Achebe:

Early Life and Education:

Achebe was born to Isaiah Okafo Achebe, a teacher and evangelist, and Janet Anaenechi Iloegbunam Achebe.
He was raised in a Christian household but was also exposed to traditional Igbo culture.
Achebe attended Government College in Umuahia and later studied at University College, Ibadan, where he initially pursued medicine but switched to English, history, and theology.

Career and Major Works:

Achebe worked for the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) as a producer and director.
His first novel, “Things Fall Apart,” was published in 1958. It tells the story of the Igbo society’s clash with British colonial rule and Christian missionaries.
Other notable works include “No Longer at Ease” (1960), “Arrow of God” (1964), “A Man of the People” (1966), and “Anthills of the Savannah” (1987).
Achebe’s writings often explore themes of cultural conflict, colonialism, and the complexities of African identity.

Academic and Professional Achievements:

Achebe held various academic positions, including the David and Marianna Fisher University Professor and Professor of Africana Studies at Brown University.
He received numerous awards and honors, including the Nigerian National Order of Merit, the Man Booker International Prize (2007), and honorary doctorates from more than 30 universities worldwide.

Political Involvement and Views:

Achebe was politically active and outspoken. He was involved in the Biafran independence movement during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and served as a diplomat for Biafra.
His political views and activism are reflected in his works, including his essays and speeches.

Legacy and Impact:

Achebe is regarded as the father of African literature in English and has inspired generations of writers.
His works are a staple in African literature curricula and have had a profound impact on the perception of African cultures and histories.
Achebe’s criticism of Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” sparked significant academic debate and re-evaluation of Western literature’s portrayal of Africa.

Chinua Achebe’s contributions to literature and his role in shaping modern African identity continue to be celebrated worldwide.