Chinua Achebe Center

For African Writers and Artists

The Achebe Center was established in 2005 to continue the legacy of the late Chinua Achebe, who taught at Bard from 1990 to 2011, and to serve the future of global Africana arts. Among its goals are to become a center of excellence for the teaching of African literature, to support a new generation of African writers, and to encourage literary/cultural entrepreneurship. Undergraduate students may participate in Center projects, including facilitating events that feature visiting writers, artists, and scholars.

Inaugural Leadership Forum

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama Delivers Inaugural Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum Lecture at Bard College

The forum took place in the Sosnoff Theater at The Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York

Leadership Forum Schedule

Achebe Leadership Forum, Sosnoff Theater, The Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College
Introduction of Performers | 3:55
Drew Thompson Assistant Professor of Africana and Historical Studies, Bard College
AfroPulse Dance Performance | 4:00
Bard College Dance Ensemble
Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensemble | 4:05
Pause
Welcome on Behalf of Bard President Leon Botstein | 4:25
Jonathan Becker, Vice President for International Affairs and Civic Engagement, Bard College
Birthday Tribute from Nelson Mandela to Chinua Achebe | 4:30
Delivered on 3 November 2000 via video on the occasion of the 70th Birthday
The Legacy of Chinua Achebe | 4:40
Professor Myra Young Armstead, Professor of History, Bard College
Poetry Reading: "A Song in Seven Stanzas" and "Still Morning Yet: A Poet Daughter's Farewell" | 4:45
Abena Busia, Professor and Chair of the Department of Women's and Gender Studies, Rutgers University
Professor Achebe's Life in Perspective: The Writer and the Quest for Exemplary Leadership and Good Governance in Africa | 4:55
Professor Christie Achebe last taught as Professor of Counseling in the Department of Psychology at Bard College
Introduction of H.E. John Dramani Mahama | 5:05
Jonathan Becker, Vice President for International Affairs and Civic Engagement, Bard College
“Women in Africa: How the Other Half Lives” | 5:10
H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana
Roundtable Discussion: The Role of Women in the Development and Democratization of Africa | 5:30
Honourable Nana Oye Lithur, Ghana's Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection
H.E. Jeremiah C. Sulunteh, Ambassador of Liberia to the United States
Amini Kajunju President, Africa-America Institute
Peter Rosenblum, Professor of International Law and Human Rights, Bard College
Moderator, Nwando Achebe, Professor of African History, Michigan State University
Closing Remarks | 6:10
Chidi Achebe '92, MD, MPH, MBA President and CEO AIDE (African Integrated Development Enterprise)
Acknowledgements :
Chinua Achebe Center, Bard College
Chinua Achebe Foundation
Center for Civic Engagement
Africana Studies Program
Model United Nations
Africa-America Institute

Featured

Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum was aired on Sahara TV