A snapshot from the 1960s shows a youthful J.P. Clark, illuminating the formative years of one of Nigeria’s most renowned writers. John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo, popularly known as J.P. Clark, was a trailblazing Nigerian poet and dramatist who lived from 1935 to 2020. His influence on African writing is still felt today. Clark was born in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Nigeria, to an Urhobo mother and an Ijaw father. His multicultural background had a big influence on his writing. His love of reading was sparked by his early schooling at the Native Authority School in Okrika and then at Government College in Ughelli. Clark attended the University of Ibadan to further his studies, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
He worked in academics and journalism. He started off as an information officer and then worked for the *Daily Express* as the features editor. His academic career took off at the University of Lagos as an English professor and at the Institute of African Studies. He co-edited *Black Orpheus*, a crucial forum for advancing African literature, throughout his time there. To promote the performing arts in Nigeria, Clark and his spouse, Professor Ebun Odutola, founded the PEC Repertory Theatre in Lagos in 1982. Clark gained international notoriety by accepting visiting professorships at esteemed colleges including Yale and Wesleyan. Throughout his life, Clark promoted African writing, using his writing to explore difficult societal challenges and the essence of humanity. His literary legacy lives on, inspiring and enlightening readers all around the world.
