Nigerian Author To Speak At Adelphi University

Adelphi University is pleased to welcome award-winning Nigerian author Chris Abani, who will deliver "Human Rights, Politics, and Art: An Evening of Expression," on Wednesday, February 20, at 7:00 p.m. in Adelphi's Ruth S. Harley University Center Ballroom, 1 South Avenue, Garden City. The lecture, sponsored by the Rita Diamandopoulos Lecture in Literature, is open and free to the public.

Mr. Abani was first imprisoned at age 18 by a Nigerian regime that considered his first novel, Masters of the Board, a threat to national security. He is the author of several novellas, including The Virgin of Flames, Becoming Abigail (New York Times Editors' Choice), and GraceLand (Today Show Book Club pick; winner of the 2005 PEN/Hemingway Prize and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award). His other prizes include a PEN USA Freedom to Write Award, a Prince Claus Award, and a Lannan Literary Fellowship.

He currently teaches creative writing at the University of California, Riverside. He earned a Ph.D. degree in literature and creative writing in 2004 from the University of Southern California.

For more information about this and other events, please visit www.adelphi.edu, or call the University's Cultural Events Hotline at (516) 877-4555.