Dr. Uche Theresa Okafor is a writer, raconteur, and English professor in Los Angeles. She was born in Eastern Nigeria. With a nurtured mind profoundly grounded in Igbo tradition and aesthetics, she was propelled from one early school success to another. She had a distinguished secondary education at Sedes Sapientae Girls College, Oghe, graduating in 1981 as the overall best student. She then proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English Education, a Master’s degree in English (Modern African Literature) and her Doctorate in Literary Studies.

Spanning two decades, Dr. Okafor continues to enjoy a distinguished career at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) where she has mentored thousands of students and served on several committees. She was recently the chair of the Africa Subcommittee, a CSULB Academic Senate Subcommittee of the International Education Committee.

As a firebrand scholar and literary critic, she has contributed to the greater understanding of African culture as the foundation of African-centered thought and practice, and a sound frame of reference for engaging and understanding the world. Readers have been enriched by the wealth of history, culture, intellectual practice, and in-depth perspectives provided by her works.

Dr. Okafor’s discipline, dedication, sacrifice and achievements have earned her recognitions among her students, colleagues and the community. She is the 2022 recipient of the Life and Times Educational Excellence Award.

Her research interests include Africana Literature and History, Reimagining African Diaspora Families and Communities, Africana Theories of Gender Relationships and Third World Theories of Gender Relationships.
A renowned orator, Dr. Okafor has given impactful speeches to audiences and is a noted speaker at various conferences and on radio and television.