The prize, established under the will of Lillian Gish, is awarded annually to “a man or woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the beauty of the world and to mankind’s enjoyment and understanding of life”. Lillian Gish and her sister, Dorothy, were actresses who ruled the big screen in the first half of the 20th century. “Though I did not meet the two sisters”, Chinua said, “I feel that I know them, and that they knew me in my little corner”.

Achebe was honoured for excelling in his field of writing and for being a role model for others. The Managing Director of JPM Morgan Chase Bank, Lisa Philip, called Achebe one of the world’s greatest living writers. JP Morgan Chase Bank is the trustee of the prize.

In his stirring remark to introduce Achebe, Jamaican novelist Ekwueme Michael Thelwell exalted Achebe’s humanity. He narrated tales of Achebe’s demonstration of courage, integrity and generosity. “Unlike some other prizes, the recipient of this prize is enhanced by the prize. He equally enhances the prize”. Said Thelwell, a visiting professor of African Studies at Brown University. He noted that Achebe was joining a distinguished list of past winners. Past winners of the Gist Prize include Ingmar Bergman, Bob Dylan, Arthur Miller, Robert Redford and Peter Seeger.

The $300,000 prize was given to Achebe on the same elegant Hudson Theatre stage where the likes of Louis Armstrong, Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, Ernie Kovacs, Milton Berle, Sammy Davis Jr., Barbara Streisand and Vincent Price have performed. As part of the event, Baba Ola Jagun and The Ancestral Rhythms entertained the guests. The group which included drummer Kunle Ade, the son of juju music maestro King Sunny Ade, gave a thrilling performance that saw Achebe nodding in appreciation. Using vocals and talking drums with an interpretative dancer, the Nigeria born musician recreated an African atmosphere on the stage. In a near-spiritual tone, he used chants and praise songs to celebrate Achebe’s life and achievements.

Earlier in the program, which was attended by a full house of Achebe’s admirers, African American poet Sonia Sanchez recited a special poem for Achebe. She punctuated her recital with chants about waking up in the morning with Achebe on her mind. Numerous speakers extolled Achebe’s prodigious gifts to the literary world. In a message, the African American novelist and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison described Achebe’s works as impressive and influential.

Three of Professor Achebe’s children and their spouses were present at the event which was also attended by C.C. Momah, Achebe’s high school and college friend, Professor Obiora Udechukwu, and numerous friends, extended family members and colleagues from Brown University.


 

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