On the second day of August, Professor Christie Chinwe Achebe, the widow of internationally acclaimed novelist Chinua Achebe, marked her 90th birthday in a grand celebration surrounded by children, grandchildren, family, and friends. The birthday highlighted the legacy of a distinguished academic who has maintained her family’s literary prominence since her husband’s passing.
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According to observers at the celebration, the nonagenarian displayed remarkable vitality, with one press report noting that “if many were to judge by her nimble and stately dance steps when the timeless vibes of ‘Get down on it’ started playing, they would find it difficult to accept that the regal dame on the dance floor was celebrating 90!”
The Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), while unable to attend the celebration physically, extended its thoughts and prayers to the celebrant in a statement recognising her contributions to academia and her role in supporting her late husband’s literary career. The organisation praised Professor Christie Achebe for keeping “the flag of the family flying high” since the passing of the world-renowned literary figure.
Professor Christie Achebe, described as a great scholar and educator in her own right, built a distinguished academic career spanning several decades. Her professional journey included positions at prestigious institutions such as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Bard College in New York, and the University of Massachusetts, among other international centres of learning.
PAWA’s statement, reflecting on a personal encounter with Professor Achebe, recalled a visit to the family’s home in West Warwick, Rhode Island, approximately twelve years ago. The visit, arranged through Dr. Chidi Achebe, Chinua Achebe’s second son, occurred less than a year after the literary giant’s passing. At that time, observers noted that Mrs. Achebe was “in good spirits and her radiant old self,” a condition that appears to have continued into her 90th year.
PAWA specifically acknowledged her crucial role in creating the stable home environment that enabled Chinua Achebe to produce his classic literary works, recognising her as an integral part of his creative process and lasting legacy.
As the literary community continues to honour the memory of Chinua Achebe’s contributions to world literature, his widow’s milestone birthday celebration underscores the enduring strength of the family that supported one of Africa’s most influential writers. PAWA extended wishes for many happy returns to the beloved author, scholar, teacher, and humanist.
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