Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has made quite a name for herself in recent years, and she continues to keep the ball rolling. A recipient of the McCarthy award, the author now has an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from the University of Edinburgh solidifying that her black girl magic is limitless and in full effect.
All Africa reports that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters at the University of Edinburgh's recently redeveloped St Cecilia's Hall which is Scotland's oldest concert hall.
"It is lovely to be in this place, which is hallowed," Adichie said upon receiving her award. "I feel very fortunate to be included among the people who have been honored with a degree from this University."
Adichie received the award in recognition of her achievements as an author and public intellectual. It was presented to her by the University's Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea.
Dr. Barbara Bompani, the Director of the Centre of African Studies proposed Adichie be awarded this degree referencing that there are many stories of the influence that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's work has had on the lives, thoughts, and creativity of others. "Through her writing, her advocacy, and her public engagement, she inspires all of us to better understand our own, and other peoples' stories."
This award is added to the list of Adichie's amazing accomplishments including a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship in 2008 — a five-year grant awarded to individuals who have shown exceptional creativity in their work, and have the potential to demonstrate more in the future. As well as the French award — Le Grand Prix de l'héroïne Madame Figaro — for her most recent work, Dear Ijeawale, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions, that takes the form of a series of letters from the author to a friend about feminism and motherhood.
Congrats, Chimamanda! You deserve it.