Nigerian-born bestselling writer and speaker, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was awarded honorary doctorate degrees by three Ivy League universities in the United States recently. American University (Washington DC), Georgetown University, and Yale University all honored the award-winning author who has built quite a reputation for her oratory prowess. She received the three awards within 10 days.
Adichie was at American University (Washington, DC) on May 11 to receive an honorary degree and also deliver a commencement speech for the University’s College of Arts and Science. She received another honorary degree from Georgetown University seven days later where she also delivers a commencement speech for Georgetown College. The prolific writer then caps it up with an appearance at the prestigious Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut for their 318th commencement ceremony. She received her third honorary degree within 10 days at the University. She also received a standing ovation while addressing the Yale Class. There, she talked about the state of affairs in the United States, metaphorically using author, Chinua Achebe’s ‘’Things Fall Apart’’ in her description of the current US sociopolitical climate.
Adichie talked about many issues which include the recent mass shootings, incidents of police brutality, and legal restriction of female reproductive rights. She went on to share some critical career and life advice, and also touched on learning how to offer a genuine apology, the importance of not abusing power, and corporate leadership.
Chimamanda Adichie is the first African to deliver a class day speech at Yale. She joins an exclusive list of class day speakers to have mounted the Yale podium. This includes; Hilary Clinton (Former US First lady and Presidential candidate), Joe Biden (Former US. Vice President), Tony Blair (Former British Prime Minister), Barbara Walters (Journalist), Tom Hanks (Oscar-winning actor), and several others.