Name: Telling stories from Africa
Uploaded: 2007-08-09T08:10:00Z
Duration: 17 min 23 s
Description: In this deeply personal talk, Nigerian writer Chris Abani says that "what we know about how to be who we are" comes from stories. He searches for the heart of Africa through its poems and narrative, including his own.

In this deeply personal talk, Nigerian writer Chris Abani says that "what we know about how to be who we are" comes from stories. He searches for the heart of Africa through its poems and narrative, including his own.

Telling stories from Africa

Stories, not news or statistics, are what truly define identity and connection. A mistranslated Bible verse once turned 'God is in heaven with angels' into 'God is on a bicycle with angels,' showing how language and interpretation shape meaning. African histories and narratives are often buried beneath stereotypes and single stories, yet literature and art preserve a much richer, more complex truth. Embracing vulnerability and imagination allows for genuine transformation and deeper understanding.