By Editor
In recognition of their work and impact on the humanities, Kenyan Simon Gikandi, and Chika Okeke-Agulu from Nigeria have been honoured as fellows of the British Academy.
Gikandi is the Robert Schirmer Professor of English, and Okeke-Agulu is Professor of Art and Archaeology and African American Studies. He is also the Director, Program in African Studies.
President of the British Academy, Julia Black, noted that, “With our new Fellows’ expertise and insights, the Academy is better placed than ever to open new seams of knowledge and understanding and to enhance the well-being and prosperity of societies around the world. I congratulate each of our new Fellows on their achievement and look forward to working with them.”
Gikandi is being honoured for his contributions in global modernism, literary history and comparative literature; and the literatures and cultures of Africa and Black Diasporas in Europe and the Americas.
Okeke-Agulu is honoured for his work in politics and art, modern and contemporary African and African diaspora art, classical and traditional African art, and postcolonial theory and art criticism.
Founded in 1902, the British Academy is a scholarly fellowship, and funding body for research in the UK and internationally.