African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0 Unveils Longlist

 

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST 2.0 UNVEILS LONGLIST

 

The African Director of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), Wole Adedoyin, has announced the longlist for the second edition of the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the contest, which serves as a platform for performance poets across Africa to creatively address pressing human rights issues through spoken word artistry.

Organized by IHRAM, the contest received an impressive 60 submissions from ten countries, including Eswatini, South Africa, Malawi, the Netherlands, Nigeria, India, Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius. The initiative underscores the power of spoken word as a medium for raising awareness and advocating for the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.

The longlist, which features 20 exceptional poets, reflects the diverse perspectives and cultural richness of Africa and its diaspora. These poets have crafted thought-provoking pieces, tackling themes ranging from equality and justice to freedom of expression and the rights of marginalized groups.

Their works will take the spotlight at the International Human Rights Art Festival, set to be held from December 9th to 15th, 2024. The festival will celebrate the pivotal role of the arts in inspiring action and fostering social change, with the selected spoken word performances offering powerful narratives that amplify the call for human rights.

The judging panel for the contest is led by Tom Block, the founder and Executive Director of IHRAM. Tom is an acclaimed playwright, author, and visual artist with over two decades of experience promoting human rights through art. His expertise will guide the final selection process, which will culminate in the announcement of the winners during the festival.

Below is the complete longlist of poets whose works have been selected for this year’s contest:

• Adetola Eyimofe Jerry-Adesewo – Nigeria
• Ajani Risikat Opeyemi – Nigeria
• Ananya Welanker – India
• Christian Kolawole Boluwatife – Nigeria
• Dabo Solomon Izang – Nigeria
• Daniel Ayotunde Omonitan – Nigeria
• Fagbemi Janet Okikiola – Nigeria
• Fatima Salihu – Nigeria
• Franklin Ifeanyi Diala – Nigeria
• Grace Oluwawemimo Olamileke – Nigeria
• James Zulu – Zambia
• Juliana Mthanya Maithya – Kenya
• Khanyisa Oni – South Africa
• Merit Eneotu Isaiah – Nigeria
• Monima Ndlovu – Zimbabwe
• Munesi Yaris Magadzire – Zimbabwe
• Rachael Olamide Kehinde – Nigeria
• Radhiya Abdulhakeem – Nigeria
• Sandra Salomy Phiri – Malawi

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is a testimony to IHRAM’s commitment to promoting artistic excellence while amplifying the voices advocating for human dignity and equality. By providing this platform, IHRAM continues to inspire meaningful dialogue and action on critical issues affecting societies across Africa and beyond.

For more information about the contest and the upcoming festival, visit IHRAM’s official website: https://humanrightsartmovement.org/

African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0: IHRAM Receives Entries from Ten Countries

 

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST 2.0: IHRAM RECEIVES ENTRIES FROM TEN COUNTRIES

 

The International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has announced the successful conclusion of the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0, with over fifty entries received from ten different countries. The competition saw an incredible response from poets, artists, and human rights advocates, showcasing the diversity and passion of the African continent in advocating for social justice through the powerful medium of spoken word.

According to a statement released by Wole Adedoyin, Director of IHRAM Africa, the entries came from a wide range of nations including Eswatini, South Africa, Malawi, the Netherlands, Nigeria, India, Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius. This diverse participation stressed the universal appeal and importance of human rights issues across the globe, particularly within the African context.

Adedoyin also expressed his gratitude to IHRAM Founder, Thomas Block, for his unwavering support in sponsoring various literary activities, including the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0. Block’s dedication to promoting human rights through art has made a significant impact, and his sponsorship of this contest exemplifies his commitment to using creative platforms to amplify voices for change.

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is a powerful platform designed to bring together poets, artists, and human rights advocates from across the African continent. It provides a space for participants to express their creativity and commitment to social justice, tackling various human rights issues through their spoken word performances. The contest encourages participants to explore topics such as gender equality, freedom of expression, racial justice, and the rights of marginalized communities.

By spotlighting these critical issues, the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest aims to raise awareness and inspire action for positive change across Africa. The platform has become a beacon for those passionate about human rights, offering participants a space to not only compete but to engage in a dialogue about the pressing challenges facing the continent. Through this collaboration, IHRAM hopes to bring global attention to the struggles faced by marginalized groups, ensuring their voices are heard.

Through this initiative, IHRAM continues its mission to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced, using the power of art to drive social change. The contest has been instrumental in showcasing the transformative power of art in advocating for human rights and influencing public opinion. Participants have the opportunity to use their creativity to educate and inspire, pushing for systemic changes in society.

The contest also serves as an annual reminder of the critical role that art and culture play in shaping policy and public perception. By providing a stage for spoken word artists to share their perspectives on human rights issues, the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest has become an essential cultural and social movement within the continent. It exemplifies the strength of collective action through artistic expression.

The event this year also brought to the forefront the continued relevance of human rights in Africa, encouraging an exchange of ideas among participants from diverse backgrounds. In the process, the contest fosters unity among people from different walks of life, all bound by a common goal: to advocate for the fundamental rights and freedoms of every individual.

The entries received will be carefully reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges, who will evaluate the performances based on their artistic merit, relevance to human rights issues, and the power of the message delivered. The winners will be announced at a special event to celebrate the achievements of the contestants and the impact of their performances in raising awareness about human rights.

In conclusion, the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0 continues to be a vital platform for promoting social justice and human rights through art. With its continued success, it is clear that the contest will remain an important annual event, inspiring new generations of activists, artists, and human rights advocates to use their voices for change.

For more information about the contest and upcoming events, please visit the International Human Rights Art Movement’s official website @ https://humanrightsartmovement.org/ or follow us on social media.

 

New Anthology Unites Writers in Protest Against Sudanese Civil War

 NEW ANTHOLOGY, THORNS, TEARS, AND TREACHERY, UNITES WRITERS IN PROTEST AGAINST SUDANESE CIVIL WAR

By Wole Adedoyin

The International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has launched a powerful new anthology, Thorns, Tears, and Treachery: A Collection of Poems, Essays, and Artwork on the Sudanese Civil War, shedding light on the human toll of the ongoing Sudanese conflict. 

Released under IHRAM’s Rapid Response Publishing Series, this collection is a visceral exploration of war’s destructive impact on humanity, with contributors ranging from poets to essayists and visual artists. 

Edited by Terseer Sam Baki and Wole Adedoyin, the work serves as a poignant literary call to justice, bearing witness to the Sudanese people’s suffering, resilience, and hope.

With twenty-eight searing poems, five epic short stories, and a series of evocative illustrations, Thorns, Tears, and Treachery delves into the turmoil that has engulfed Sudan, particularly in Khartoum and the Darfur region. Each piece captures the atrocities, human rights abuses, and staggering loss wrought by the ongoing struggle for supremacy between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Through art and storytelling, the collection serves as both a historical document and a humanitarian appeal, calling on readers worldwide to confront the stark realities of war.

Much like John Pepper Clark’s seminal poem, Casualties, this anthology confronts the devastation left in war’s wake, drawing readers into a metaphorical walk through blood-soaked streets. It resonates as an artistic tribute to the people of Sudan, capturing the daily violence and hostility that permeate life in the region. Each contributor, wielding the creative pen as a weapon, embodies the relentless pursuit of human rights and social justice through an artistic lens. The anthology’s pieces bring forth the horrors and resilience of those impacted, offering a unique perspective often absent from mainstream narratives on the conflict.

One of the defining features of Thorns, Tears, and Treachery is its Pan-African voice, presenting an authentic reflection of the continent’s artistry and raw emotional landscape. The work’s contributors span Africa and beyond, merging diverse cultural lenses into a unified stance against war and injustice. From the rhythmic cadence of poems to the haunting beauty of visual art, each entry paints an indelible picture of Sudan’s heartbreak, while celebrating the resilience of African spirit and solidarity.

This anthology presents war as an ugly yet enduring method of conflict resolution, which IHRAM and its artists have chosen to combat with beauty, truth, and vulnerability. Thorns, Tears, and Treachery emphasizes that artistic expression, rooted in empathy, can challenge the brute force of warfare and inspire change. In this regard, the book represents more than an artistic endeavor; it’s a testimony to IHRAM’s mission of using art as a vehicle for advocacy, healing, and awareness.

“Art has a unique power to touch people’s hearts in ways that rhetoric often cannot,” notes co-editor Wole Adedoyin. “Through these poems, stories, and illustrations, we hope to evoke empathy and urgency in addressing Sudan’s situation. Every line and brushstroke is a plea for peace and a condemnation of human rights violations.”

As readers delve into the pages of Thorns, Tears, and Treachery, they encounter stories that mirror the grim reality of Sudanese citizens, who navigate daily life amid ceaseless violence. The book invites readers to bear witness to these untold stories, compelling them to confront the global silence that often surrounds conflicts on the African continent.

In curating this anthology, Terseer Sam Baki and Wole Adedoyin have endeavored to amplify Sudanese voices, telling their stories with respect and reverence. “This is not just about highlighting atrocities,” says Baki. “It’s about dignifying the experiences of those affected by war, acknowledging their resilience, and honoring their humanity.”

The book’s unique combination of visual art and literary pieces makes it a profound cultural and educational resource, offering readers multiple points of entry to understand the Sudanese conflict. Whether through the visual poignancy of illustrations or the lyrical depths of poems, each contribution in the anthology stressed the brutality of war and its far-reaching effects on society.

With the release of Thorns, Tears, and Treachery, IHRAM continues its tradition of producing urgent, socially conscious art that speaks truth to power. This collection is a striking reminder that artists, writers, and poets have a crucial role to play in documenting and resisting injustice. Through their work, the contributors emphasize that Sudan’s struggle for peace and dignity is a shared human concern, deserving global attention and action.

The anthology’s release also marks IHRAM’s ongoing commitment to rapid-response publishing, quickly mobilizing creative voices to respond to global crises. By doing so, the organization ensures that art continues to serve as a tool for activism, awareness, and ultimately, healing.

For those interested in supporting the Sudanese people and gaining a deeper understanding of the conflict, Thorns, Tears, and Treachery is available for purchase. Proceeds will further IHRAM’s mission of advocating for human rights through the arts. The book can be purchased through this link: bit.ly/3ChgPSI.

Why IHRAM is Promoting Human Rights Through the Use of Art - Wole Adedoyin

 

WHY IHRAM IS PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH THE USE OF ART – WOLE ADEDOYIN

 

Wole Adedoyin, the African Director of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), recently spoke with Human Rights Art Review, shedding light on the significant role of art in advancing human rights across the continent. In this insightful interview, he discusses the activities of the Movement in Africa and highlights its achievements in using art as a tool to foster awareness and advocacy for human rights.

INTERVIEWER: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Adedoyin. Let me start by thanking Thomas Block, the Founder and Director of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), for sponsoring all the activities of the Movement in Africa. Now, could you tell us why you are so passionate about promoting human rights through the use of art?

WOLE ADEDOYIN: Thank you for having me. Yes, I would also like to extend my gratitude to Thomas Block for his unwavering support. I believe art is a universal language that transcends barriers—whether linguistic, cultural, or geographical. Through art, we can communicate complex human rights issues in ways that resonate with people on a deeper, emotional level. My passion stems from seeing how art can inspire change and give a voice to the voiceless, especially in a continent like Africa where human rights violations are still prevalent.

Interviewer: You have organized several competitions under IHRAM in Africa. Why do you think these competitions are effective tools for promoting human rights?

Wole Adedoyin: These competitions, like the African Human Rights Art Competition and the African Human Rights Essay Competition, encourage individuals to engage with human rights issues creatively. When writers, artists, and performers express their understanding of human rights through art, they don’t just raise awareness—they make the issues personal. This form of engagement empowers communities and fosters empathy, which is crucial for driving long-term societal change.

Interviewer: Could you explain why human rights is such an important theme for artists and writers to explore?

Wole Adedoyin: Human rights are fundamental to our existence. They define the basic freedoms and protections that every person is entitled to, regardless of nationality, race, or gender. Artists and writers have a responsibility to reflect the realities of the world we live in, and unfortunately, human rights abuses are still a significant issue. By exploring this theme, artists can challenge the status quo, spark dialogue, and push for the protection of these rights through their creative work.

Interviewer: How do you ensure that the voices of African writers and artists are heard through the anthologies you've edited?

Wole Adedoyin: IHRAM has made it a priority to give African writers and artists a platform to share their stories and perspectives. We’ve published six anthologies featuring over 300 African voices, and these works are shared globally. By doing this, we amplify African narratives on human rights, ensuring that the world can hear from those who are often marginalized. Collaborating with other editors and writers ensures that these voices are not only heard but also curated in a way that does justice to their experiences.

Interviewer: Among the anthologies you’ve edited, which one stands out to you the most and why?

Wole Adedoyin: It's hard to choose because each anthology represents a unique aspect of human rights struggles. However, "END SARS Rhythms: A Collection of Poems on Police Brutality, Assaults, and Battery" stands out for me because of the immediacy and urgency of the issue it addresses. The #EndSARS movement in Nigeria was a powerful demonstration of how art and activism can come together to confront state violence and demand accountability.

Interviewer: How do you think art can specifically address issues like police brutality or gender-based violence?

Wole Adedoyin: Art has a unique way of making abstract issues feel personal. When artists depict police brutality or gender-based violence, they force us to confront the human suffering behind the statistics. A painting, poem, or story can capture the emotions of fear, pain, and resilience in ways that reports or news stories sometimes can’t. This emotional connection is what often motivates people to take action, whether by advocating for policy change or supporting victims.

Interviewer: How did the anthology "Get Consent: Poetry and Essay Anthology on Rape and Sexual Violence Against Women" contribute to the global conversation on gender-based violence?

Wole Adedoyin: "Get Consent" provided a platform for African writers to share their experiences and reflections on a deeply personal and painful issue. The anthology not only raised awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence but also emphasized the importance of consent as a fundamental human right. It contributed to the global conversation by highlighting the specific challenges African women and girls face, while also aligning with the broader #MeToo movement.

Interviewer: What has been the response to your efforts to promote human rights through art in Africa?

Wole Adedoyin: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many African writers and artists have told us how these initiatives have empowered them to speak out on issues they might otherwise feel powerless to address. We've seen submissions grow with each competition, and more importantly, we've witnessed how this platform is helping to foster a new generation of socially-conscious artists and writers who are committed to defending human rights.

Interviewer: How does IHRAM ensure the sustainability of these competitions and anthologies?

Wole Adedoyin: Sustainability is always a challenge, but the key is building a community of supporters who share our vision. Thanks to the support of Thomas Block, we’ve been able to maintain funding for our activities. We’re also actively seeking collaborations with African institutions, NGOs, and government bodies to ensure that these projects continue to grow and have a long-lasting impact.

Interviewer: Can you speak about how digital platforms have played a role in reaching more participants?

Wole Adedoyin: Digital platforms have been a game-changer for us. They allow us to reach a wider audience, especially young people who are increasingly engaging with social issues through digital means. Social media, in particular, has been instrumental in promoting our competitions, sharing the anthologies, and connecting participants from across Africa.

Interviewer: What are some challenges you’ve faced in promoting human rights through art?

Wole Adedoyin: One major challenge is the lack of funding and infrastructure to support the arts in many African countries. Additionally, censorship and political repression in certain regions make it difficult for artists to freely express themselves on sensitive issues like government corruption or human rights abuses. Despite these challenges, we continue to push forward because we believe in the transformative power of art.

INTERVIEWER: How do you overcome these obstacles?

WOLE ADEDOYIN: We overcome these challenges by building resilient networks and communities of artists who support one another. We also rely heavily on international partnerships to provide the resources we need. Most importantly, we empower our participants to be innovative in finding ways to express their creativity, even in restrictive environments.

INTERVIEWER: How do you select the themes for each competition and anthology?

WOLE ADEDOYIN: The themes are usually informed by current events and pressing human rights issues. For example, the "Thorns, Tears, and Treachery" anthology was inspired by the ongoing Sudanese Civil War, while "Her Rights, Our Stories" focused on the plight of women and girls in Africa. We believe it’s important to remain responsive to the most urgent human rights crises as we plan each project.

INTERVIEWER: What impact do you hope these anthologies will have on future generations of African writers and artists?

WOLE ADEDOYIN: I hope these anthologies inspire future generations to use their art as a tool for social justice. I want young African writers and artists to know that their voices matter, and that through their creative work, they can influence change in their societies. The goal is to build a legacy where art continues to be a powerful means of advocating for human rights.

INTERVIEWER: What are your plans for IHRAM’s future initiatives in Africa?

WOLE ADEDOYIN: We plan to expand our reach by introducing more competitions in different African languages to encourage participation from diverse communities. We’re also looking to collaborate with educational institutions to integrate human rights art into their curricula. Additionally, we hope to organize international exhibitions to showcase the incredible work coming out of Africa.

INTERVIEWER: In your opinion, how can the international community better support human rights art movements in Africa?

WOLE ADEDOYIN: The international community can support us by providing funding, resources, and platforms for African artists to showcase their work globally. It’s also crucial to advocate for the protection of freedom of expression in regions where artists are at risk of persecution. Supporting organizations like IHRAM that are already doing the groundwork is a great way to amplify African voices in the global conversation on human rights.

INTERVIEWER: Finally, what message do you have for aspiring African artists and writers who want to use their talents to promote human rights?

WOLE ADEDOYIN: My message is simple: don’t be afraid to use your art to speak out. Art has the power to challenge, to heal, and to inspire change. Whether through writing, painting, or performing, you have the ability to make a difference. Be bold, be creative, and never underestimate the impact your voice can have in advocating for a more just and humane world.