CHINUA ACHEBE: WE MUST WRITE OUR OWN STORIES

On 21 March 2013, renowned Nigerian poet and novelist Chinua Achebe transitioned into an ancestor. His work continues to shape African literature today.

In 1988, Achebe (1930-2013) reflected on the literature he studied at university. Upon reading these works closely, he realised that the so-called ‘savages’ often resembled characters that looked like him, African, while the stories portrayed white people as heroes. He explained that without a conscious understanding of this narrative, what may seem like ‘innocent’ fictional tales can misinform Africans who have endured the oppression of slavery and colonialism.

Achebe's solution? Africa must take control of its history by writing about it.

Video credit: ‘A World of Ideas,’ @PBS