Ngugi wa Thiong'o: Honoring the Legacy of Africa’s Storyteller Among Ancestors

In 2018, I met Ngugi wa Thiong'o at Revolution Books in Harlem, where he generously gifted me *Wrestling With The Devil* and I shared my book, *The Hearts of Darkness — How White Writers Created the Racist Image of Africa*. Remembered for his powerful literature, Ngugi, who passed away at 87 on May 28, 2025, was also an audacious critic of capitalism and its corrosive effects on African heritage. His notable works, including *The River Between* and *Decolonizing the Mind,* emphasize the need for African self-determination and healing from colonial legacies. As he engaged with cultural struggles and the oppression of African languages, Ngugi illustrated the imbalance of power forged by European domination—urging for a renewed identity. His rich legacy serves as an essential compass for future generations.