Brown University, Mourns - Plans Memorial On Late Writer's Life, Work

Brown University

Brown University, where foremost novelist, Prof Chinua Achebe, worked until his death. says it would organize a memorial in honour of one of its most valuable faculty member in history.

A statement from the university, emailed to PREMIUM TIMES, described the late literary icon's passing as an event as global significance.

Prof Achebe joined Brown in September 2009 and was its David and Marianna Fisher University Professor and professor of Africana Studies until his death.

And a thick layer of grief has enveloped the university with faculty members terribly devastated by news of his death.

In tribute, Brown University President, Christina Paxson said, "The colloquia he organized at Brown attracted a grand array of guests and effectively demonstrated how the humanities can build understanding by drawing from and encouraging a variety of perspectives. We were honored to have him among us."

"At a time like this we could draw many words of wisdom and comfort from the deep wells of various African cultures and traditions to honor him. The most fitting is the simple and elegant phrase, "A great tree has fallen."

"Indeed, the passing of Chinua Achebe is an event of global significance. The entire faculty and staff in the Department of Africana Studies share in the celebration of the great life that is Chinua Achebe."

In a moving tribute, Anani Dzidzienyo, associate professor of Africana studies and Portuguese and Brazilian studies said:

"Part of his impact was that he was always a part of Africana studies. His presence in the department affirmed our intellectual mission and strengthened our commitment and dedication to Africana studies. Indeed, his presence was powerful. When he was first appointed, a friend told me we had captured history and planted it in Churchill House.

"He brought the whole history of contemporary African writing to Brown from the time when he wrote Things Fall Apart to the present. His name symbolizes the themes and issues that characterize African societies and cultures. His presence at Brown is something we could not have imagined before it happened. He was an inspiration to us and our students. As a student remarked, "It is incredible that he is here with us."

"May you travel well, Professor Achebe."