Do Not Uproot the Pumpkin

The literary event, hosted by the Institute for African Development’s Humphrey Fellowship Program at Cornell and Okere City, is set to unite people from across the globe to contemplate the enduring legacy and influence of Okot p’Bitek, a towering figure in 20th-century African literature. Renowned for his seminal works “Song of Ocol” and “Song of Lawino,” which have been translated into over 30 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide, p’Bitek’s writings encapsulate a poignant, poetic exchange between Lawino, a rural champion of African traditions, and her husband Ocol, who grapples with cultural estrangement and Western influence. Juliane Okot Bitek, daughter of the late author and a distinguished professor of creative writing at Queen’s University, Canada, will deliver the keynote address. Okot p’Bitek’s critical exploration of African culture, politics, and colonialism through his teaching, research, and prolific writing remains an enduring testament to his scholarly contributions.

This event is sponsored by Cornell University’s Institute for African Development with funds from the US Department of Education UISFL Program.

Register to watch the web version of the event here:

https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMvce-gqzMpHNLMTxLhiR-6X_n0lAK8D5z6