Uzodinma Iweala

Uzodinma Iweala, born on November fifth, nineteen eighty-two, is a distinguished Nigerian-American author, physician, sociologist, and filmmaker. His literary journey began with the acclaimed debut novel, Beasts of No Nation, which emerged from his thesis work in creative writing at Harvard University. This poignant narrative explores the harrowing experiences of a child soldier in an unnamed African nation, capturing the attention of major publications such as Time Magazine and The New York Times. The novel was published in two thousand five and later adapted into an award-winning film in two thousand fifteen.

In two thousand twelve, Iweala expanded his literary repertoire with the non-fiction work Our Kind of People, which addresses the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria, shedding light on a critical public health issue. His subsequent novel, Speak No Evil, released in two thousand eighteen, delves into the complexities of identity and belonging through the story of Niru, a gay Nigerian-American boy navigating his dual heritage.

Beyond his literary contributions, Iweala has held significant leadership roles, including serving as the former CEO of The Africa Center in Harlem, New York. Currently, he is a fellow at the Katë Hamburger Center for Apocalyptic and Post Apocalyptic Studies at the University of Heidelberg and an International Affairs Fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations, also advising at UNESCO.