By PRISCA SAM-DURU & VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU
African-American Authors since their emergence in the writing scene in the 8th-century have not only  blossomed and matured, but made phenomenal impact on the entire world through their magnanimous talents and creativity. It is in the  recognition of the contributions of these female legendary authors that this year’s Black History Month  is devoted  to the celebration of impeccable achievements.

At the occasion held last week at the US Consulate, Lagos,  eight selected African-American Writers; Toni Morrison, Rita Dove, Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, Gloria Naylor, Zora Neale, Phillis Wheatley and Lucy Terry who lit the flame  of black writing in America were discussed in a lecture titled, “African-American Literature: Africa-American Women Authors”, presented by Nigeria’s Polyvalent scholar and an Alumna of the US International IOWA Writers Program, Dr Ogochukwu Promise.

*Dr Ogochukwu Promise, Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo and a participant at the event. Photo by Prisca Sam-Duru

The event highlighted the fact that the struggle to exist in a new world order, to survive discrimination, intimidation and segregation which bothered on  colour and racism were issues that could not be ignored by these iconic writers who saw themselves as the conscience of their society.

For these early writers, who imaginatively recreated the black experience in America with astounding vision, excellent spirit, compelling beauty, wit and grace, writing was a most convenient way of struggling to survive, by watering down their frustrations and depression through the elixir platform of writing .

Through writings also, they discovered their inner strength with which they were able to surmount all the limitations set for them directly and indirectly and fighting for their human rights. Interestingly, these  efforts gave birth to the black arts movement, which was inspired by the American Civil Rights and Black Power Movements “buoyed by their formidable spirit and quest for the meaning of their common heritage.”

African American Authors according to Dr Promise, transformed the many disadvantages and traumas of slavery into splendid advantages that eloquently spoke volume of their courage, doggedness, brilliance and determination to excel in spite of  overwhelming position in the society which undoubtedly, serves as the greatest inspiration in the entire body of African- American Literature.

Sterling feats recorded by writers such as African-American writer, Alice Walker, author of several riveting pieces which include; The Colour Purple, an epistolary novel later adapted for the screen by Steven Spielberg which won both the Pulitzer Prize and the American Book Award among other awards, according to her, cannot be ignored.

On that note, Dr Ogochukwu pointed out that, “today we study African American Literature, today their Literature is not only fully absorbed into mainstream American culture but is appreciated the world over as many of them top the bestselling lists and win very prestigious literary prizes”

The need to also avail youths the opportunity of reading quality books written by African writers that will enrich them with knowledge on African cultural heritage and social life was a quick addendum from Prof. Akachi-Ezeigbo.

Prof Ezeigbo further emphasised on the  need for writers to write beautiful books that are culturally relevant and advised the youths whose poor reading culture has reached an alarming stage on the importance of imbibing the attitude of reading irrespective of whether they are science or Arts inclined. She added that reading will in addition to helping them pass their examinations, place them in an enviable positions in life.

16 year old Onduru Victor Ebiware a participant from Kings College, who felt challenged by the lecture, read his own poem titled, If Nigeria was a Cake. The lyrics of the poem and brilliant rendition  attracted a resounding applause and a straight induction as the first student in the newly established Lumina Literary Agency.