The W. E. B. Du Bois Medal, Harvard University’s highest honor, was awarded to Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
At a ceremony on Thursday, she was presented with the medal.
Chimamanda’s writing has achieved international acclaim, been translated into more than 30 languages, and earned several honors and awards.
She holds a special position that combines a variety of qualities. She was referred to as “one of those rarest of people: a celebrated novelist who has also become a leading public intellectual” in The New York Times T Magazine’s 2017 “Greats” edition.
In addition to being a style and beauty icon, Chimamanda constantly champions Nigerian designers, such as through her “Wear Nigerian” campaign.
She was chosen to represent the cosmetics company Boots No7, and she has been highlighted in a number of style publications, such as British Vogue and Marie Claire Brazil’s covers, as well as Vanity Fair’s “International Best-Dressed List.”
The highest award given by Harvard in the area of African and African American studies is the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal. It is given to people in the US and other countries in appreciation of their contributions to African and African American culture and intellectual life. Scholars, artists, authors, journalists, benefactors, and government officials who have advanced the field of African and African-American studies.
A hearty congratulations Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie!