Bernardine Evaristo has been awarded the second highest Order of the British Empire distinction, OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), for services to Literature.
The awards are announced biannually via the Queen’s Honours List and recognize citizens of the United Kingdom who have made significant contributions to the country in their line of work.
Evaristo was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), the third highest distinction, in 2009 for services to Literature. The highest distinction is CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire).
The Booker Prize winning author celebrated her new title on Twitter:
Well, Mz Evaristo of Suburbia got an upgrade from MBE to OBE. I shalt now be known as Evaristobe. I believe that full participation in this country includes the national gongs, even those with anachronistic titles, but I respect those who beg to differ. https://t.co/OnKWUzWnAw
— Bernardine Evaristo (@BernardineEvari) October 10, 2020
The 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List celebrates frontline workers in their response to COVID-19, philanthropy, and public service officials, specialists in research and education, professionals in the arts, and many more.
Click here for the full list.
Within the African literary community, Evaristo joins the company of Ellah P. Wakatama OBE who was honored in 2011 for services to the Publishing Industry.
Congratulations to Bernardine Evaristo!
COMMENTS -
Reader Interactions