The Pepperdene Speaker Series
“Emezi is changing the world.” (Paris Review)
“A storyteller for a changing world.” (TIME Magazine)
October 1, 2026, 6 p.m.
Akwaeke Emezi
We are delighted to welcome Akwaeke Emezi to our campus on October 1, 2026 as our Pepperdene speaker.
Akwaeke (they/them) is a Nigerian-born Igbo and Tamil author, poet, memoirist and artist whose work spans literary fiction for adults, middle grades and young adult fiction, poetry, essays and memoir; there is truly something of theirs to read for all fans of literature. Their writing often explores identity, gender, spirituality, queerness, family and justice through bold, vivid storytelling that stays with you long after you finish their books. They are not only a best-selling writer, but they have also been recognized with numerous awards and honors for their work. You can get to know them a bit better by watching this interview with Trevor Noah.
Our event begins at 6:30 p.m. in Paideia's theater; doors will open at 6 pm. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided. Masks are encouraged, but are not required; Akwaeke is immunocompromised and we wish to honor their request to have masks available for community members who would like to wear them.
Paideia alumni, Junior High teacher and author Hugh Hunter ’09 will interview Akwaeke. Hugh has published four books with his fifth, A Lake With No Bottom, publishing on October 20.
Akwaeke’s books will be sold at the event by Charis Books, and there will be a book signing after.
It's going to be a fantastic conversation and we hope to see you there!
Required
Past Speaker
Luis Alberto Urrea
Master storyteller and award-winning writer, Luis Alberto Urrea.
Praised by NPR as both “a literary badass” and “a master storyteller with a rock and roll heart,” Luis Alberto Urrea is a celebrated author whose work draws deeply on his bicultural upbringing to illuminate universal experiences of love, loss, and resilience.
The Pepperdene Speaker Series brings writers of distinction to Paideia through the support of a legacy gift from Jane Pepperdene, a profound teacher who taught literature at Paideia and Agnes Scott College for more than twenty years. Jane was an absolute believer in the power of story. Her gift to the school has brought prolific writers such as Richard Wilbur, former United States Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey, and even one of Jane’s students and Paideia alum, Mosi Secret ’97 to campus to engage with students, parents, alumni, and the community. Thanks to Jane’s generosity and her legacy gift, writers of distinction will be able to continue to do the same for years to come.
If you are interested in including Paideia in your legacy plans and joining our Fountain of Youth Society, please contact Kelly Douglas ’02 at douglas.kelly@paideiaschool.