Achebe a revolutionary author – Obama, Michelle Speaks

President Barack Obama of the United States of America (USA) and his wife, Michelle, have described the late Prof. Chinua Achebe as “a revolutionary author, educator and cultural ambassador.” They stated this in a letter to the Achebe family, which was read at an event held in honour of Achebe in Washington DC last Sunday, tagged, “A Celebration of Life.” The event also featured an arts exhibition. The letter, which was read at the event by a White House representative said, “a revolutionary author, educator and cultural ambassador, Chinua Achebe shattered the conventions of literature and shaped the collective identity of Nigerians throughout the world. With a dream of taking on misperceptions of his homeland, he gave voice to perspectives that cultivated understanding and drew our world closer together. His legacy will endure in the hearts of all whose lives he touched with the everlasting power of his art.” Other highlights of the event included tributes from public and private friends and dignitaries, cultural dance troupes, music, masquerades and tributes.