IHRAF @ 5: Empowering African Writers and Artists to Champion Human Rights Through Art

 

IHRAF @ 5: EMPOWERING AFRICAN WRITERS AND ARTISTS TO CHAMPION HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH ART

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) marks a significant milestone this year as it celebrates its fifth anniversary. Founded by visionary artist Tom Block, IHRAF has emerged as a powerful catalyst for change in the artistic and literary realms across Africa. Through its various initiatives, IHRAF has nurtured, published, and showcased the talents of numerous African writers and artists, fostering a sense of community and a platform for expression.

At the heart of IHRAF's impact is IHRAF Publishes, a platform that has tirelessly championed African voices. Countless African writers have found their works published and shared with a global audience, amplifying diverse narratives and shedding light on the rich cultural tapestry of the continent.

A defining moment for IHRAF came in 2020 when it collaborated with the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) to organize the END SARS National Poetry Competition. This innovative contest was a response to the urgent need to address police brutality and assault through the arts. The synergy between IHRAF and SYNW resulted in the publication of "END SARS Rhythms," an anthology of poems capturing the essence of the protest and its impact.

Building on this success, IHRAF continued to champion human rights issues through the African Human Rights Essay Competition. The subsequent anthology, "The Malady and the Remedy," delved into critical topics, providing a platform for thought-provoking discussions on human rights challenges.

Diversity of expression has been a hallmark of IHRAF's initiatives. The African Human Rights Playwriting Competition, for instance, showcased the innovative capacity of African playwrights to address social issues creatively. Winners of this competition found their works celebrated and shared, contributing to a richer discourse on human rights.

The African Human Rights Short Story Competition was another feather in IHRAF's cap, uncovering narratives that might otherwise have remained untold. These stories were showcased on IHRAF's website, reaching a global audience and fostering greater understanding.

The ongoing African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest stands as a testament to IHRAF's commitment to promoting dynamic and engaging forms of expression. Exceptional works from this contest will take center stage at the upcoming 2023 International Human Rights Art Festival, set to unfold in New York.

Over the course of its journey, IHRAF has showcased the vibrant creativity of African writers through the publication of five impactful anthologies. These anthologies stand as a testament to IHRAF's commitment to amplifying diverse voices and promoting human rights through the arts. The anthology titles include: "END SARS Rhythms," "Get Consent," "The Malady and the Remedy," "Voices of Africa: A Call for Freedom," and "From Africa With Love: Voices of A Creative Continent."

Beyond the publication of anthologies, IHRAF has taken a proactive role in nurturing artistic growth. The organization's innovative initiative, the IHRAF BOOK CLUB, has become a cornerstone of this effort. Through Monthly Book Readings and engaging workshops, IHRAF through its African Secretariat is fostering a community of readers and learners, providing a space for rich discussions and the exploration of thought-provoking literature.

Through these projects, IHRAF has provided indispensable assistance to African writers and artists. Additionally, the IHRAF Interview Series has given audiences a peek into the creative minds behind these endeavors, featuring insightful discussions with more than 150 writers and artists spanning the breadth of the African continent.

As IHRAF enters its fifth year, it does so with a legacy of impact that reverberates throughout the African arts and human rights communities. The organization's dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and promoting human rights through art stands as an inspiration, fostering a future where artistic expression remains a powerful vehicle for change.

IHRAF Rebrands As IHRAM

 

IHRAF REBRANDS AS IHRAM

 

Celebrating 5 Years of Advocacy Through Art

 

By Wole Adedoyin

 

The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) has officially rebranded itself as the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) on the occasion of its 5th year anniversary. This monumental change reflects the organization's evolution and expanded focus, solidifying its commitment to advocating for human rights through the power of art.

 

In an inspiring move, the International Human Rights Art Movement aims to amplify its impact and reach as it continues its noble journey of using art as a vehicle for social change. The rebranding reflects the organization's dedication to fostering a global movement that harnesses the creative expression of artists to shine a light on human rights issues worldwide.

 

As part of the rebranding process, the organization has introduced a fresh and dynamic logo that symbolizes its renewed vigor and purpose. This emblem encapsulates the essence of the International Human Rights Art Movement's mission - to promote awareness, understanding, and action surrounding human rights through various art forms.

 

Visitors to the newly revamped website will notice a transformation in the nomenclature, with all references to IHRAF now replaced by IHRAM. This strategic adjustment is not only symbolic but also practical, allowing the movement to resonate more deeply with its supporters while maintaining a clear identity.

 

"The decision to rebrand as the International Human Rights Art Movement marks a significant milestone in our journey. Over the past five years, we have witnessed the power of art in raising awareness and effecting change. This evolution reflects our growing commitment to the cause and our determination to foster a global movement that empowers artists to become advocates for human rights," said Tom Block, Founder and Executive Director of the International Human Rights Art Movement.

 

As the International Human Rights Art Movement paves the way for the next phase of its impactful journey, it invites supporters, artists, and change-makers from around the world to join hands in this endeavor. Through collaborative efforts, art will continue to serve as a potent catalyst for social progress and human rights advocacy.

 

New Research Paper Explores the Power of Artistic Protest and Testimony in "EndSARS Rhythms"

 

NEW RESEARCH PAPER EXPLORES THE POWER OF ARTISTIC PROTEST AND TESTIMONY IN "ENDSARS RHYTHMS"

 

By Wole Adedoyin

A groundbreaking academic paper titled "Poetic Protest and Testimony in Endsars Rhythms" has been jointly authored by Jayne I. Owan and Onyekachi Peter Onuoha from the prestigious Department of English and Literary Studies at the University of Calabar. The research delves into the powerful use of art, particularly poetry, as a medium of protest and testimony during the EndSARS movement in Nigeria.

The paper sheds light on the multifaceted role of EndSARS Rhythms, which serves as both an avenue for entertainment and a medium for documenting the causes of brutalization faced by the Nigerian people, as well as questioning the moral fiber of the society. Amidst threats to life, Nigerians turned to poetry as a potent form of protest to challenge police brutality in the country. The study highlights how art plays a significant role in social movements and resistance to police violence, acting as a vehicle for poetic protest and testimony.

The research involves a comprehensive textual analysis of a digital memorial, revealing how EndSARS Rhythms effectively preserves memory through art while documenting the exploitation and brutality suffered by the youth at the hands of the Nigeria Police Force. It unequivocally establishes EndSARS Rhythms as a poetic protest and testimony against police brutality.

One of the fundamental aspects of the paper is the incorporation of several poignant poems from EndSARS Rhythms that have become a literary testimony for victims of police brutality and survivors in Nigeria. Some of the notable poems featured in the research include “State Armed Robbers Squad (SARS)”  by Frank Kaliati, “EndSARS! LAWMAKERS, OR LAWBREAKERS” by Olude Peter Sunday, “Talk True” by Nkiru Onyeyaforo, “Guns End Dreams” by Olawumi Oluwasogo, “EndSARS” by David Jonathan Inyang, “Homeland in Pain” by Enyia Lilian Nkechinyere, “How Our Lights were Put off” by Nwokeabia, Ifeanyi John, “Spare us! Spare us! By Adaji Elizabeth Mercy, “In Lekki, Heroes Prevailed…” by Merife, Chisom Victor, “To our heroes up” by Adefeyintola Adesegun, “Requiem for victims of Lekki Massacre '' by Chidiebere Enyia, “The night when doves cried”  by Shola Balogun, “Inquest for freedom!”  by Blessing Chinenye David’s  and others.

Through the powerful poetic chronicles presented in EndSARS Rhythms, the movement emerges as a resolute protest against exploitation and brutality within Nigerian society. The poetic narratives eloquently implicate the Nigerian government and police as agents responsible for the subjugation and exploitation of the country's youth. Each poem serves as a witness against the state, condemning the extra-judicial killing of numerous Nigerians.

The significance of the research paper lies in its portrayal of EndSARS Rhythms as a resilient and artistic response to social injustice and oppression. It underscores how the protest movement effectively utilized poetry as a means of expressing grievances, demanding accountability, and advocating for change. The poems themselves become a collective voice of resilience, providing solace to those affected by police brutality and giving hope for a brighter future.

The co-authors, Jayne I. Owan and Onyekachi Peter Onuoha, commend the courage and creativity displayed by the poets in EndSARS Rhythms, and express hope that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the power of art in shaping social movements.

The full research paper "Poetic Protest and Testimony in Endsars Rhythms" is available via https://jurnal.fs.umi.ac.id/index.php/tamaddun-life/article/view/161 and https://jurnal.fs.umi.ac.id/index.php/tamaddun-life/article/view/161/129.

END SARS RYTHMS edited by Terseer Sam Baki and Wole Adedoyin and published in electronic and paperback by the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) in New York, USA. It was a collaborative effort of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, SYNW, and the International Human Rights Arts Festival, IHRAF, to harness the thoughts, feelings and responses of Nigerian artists and creative writers and the international writing community on the theme of police brutality, assault and battery.

 

IHRAF Announces New Book, “From Africa with Love: Voices of a Creative Continent”

 

IHRAF ANNOUNCES NEW BOOK, “FROM AFRICA WITH LOVE: VOICES OF A CREATIVE CONTINENT”

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) has announced the release of its latest publication, "From Africa with Love: Voices of a Creative Continent." Curated and edited by Kelly Kaur in conjunction with Wole Adedoyin, IHRAF African Secretariat Director, this captivating anthology delves into a tapestry of themes, including love, death, race, women’s rights, politics, and the profound beauty of existence, presenting the unique perspectives of 22 talented African writers and artists.

In "From Africa with Love: Voices of a Creative Continent," readers will be taken on a literary journey like no other. The book encompasses an enchanting underwater world imagined by an eight-year-old alongside raw and poignant reflections on life across the African continent. These thought-provoking glimpses into the human experience paint a rich and diverse portrait of Africa's creative talent and its indomitable spirit.

As an integral part of IHRAF's "Hear the Voices" series, "From Africa with Love: Voices of a Creative Continent" weaves together literary expressions and artwork to celebrate the resilience and strength of the African people. This anthology serves as a testament to the power of art and storytelling in fostering empathy, understanding, and advocacy for human rights.

The contributors featured in the book were carefully selected from the two editions of the IHRAF Interview Series, which showcased over 100 writers and artists curated by Wole Adedoyin in 2021 and 2022. Hailing from five African countries, namely Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Togo, Ghana, and Kenya, these artists and writers bring a rich diversity of perspectives to the table. The anthology includes a wide array of literary forms, such as poetry, short stories, and various forms of artwork.

Among the gifted artists and writers featured in the anthology are Omale Allen ABDUL-JABBAR (Nigeria), Stephanie Mwuese ABUGHDYER (Nigeria), Wole ADEDOYIN (Nigeria), AKANNI Kehinde James (Art) Nigeria, Ugochukwu ANADI (Nigeria), AWKU SundayVictor (Nigeria), Mbizo CHIRASHA (Zimbabwe), Abdoul Ganiou DERMANI (Art) (Togo), Shina FASANMI (Nigeria), IZUNNA Okafor (Nigeria), Frank KALIATI (Malawi), Dominic Oigo MAINA (Kenya), Chigozie Anuli MBADUGHA (Nigeria), Prayerlife NWOSU (Nigeria), Temidayo OLALEYE (Nigeria), Bernice Adebimpe OYELEKE (Nigeria), Mnguember Vicky SYLVESTER (Nigeria), Marcus Ovie UGBODUMA (Nigeria), Sumaila UMAISHA (Nigeria), Stanley UMEZULIKE (Nigeria), Rachel YRAM (Ghana), and Sakinat YUSUF (Nigeria).

IHRAF believes that "From Africa with Love: Voices of a Creative Continent" will serve as a powerful platform to amplify African voices and bring attention to the social, political, and cultural issues faced by the continent. By offering a diverse and compelling collection of narratives, the book seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and artistic brilliance of Africa.

The book is now available for purchase through the IHRAF website and select online retailers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCCPH1X9?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860. IHRAF encourages individuals, educators, human rights advocates, and art enthusiasts alike to support this remarkable project and embrace the vibrant and profound voices of the African creative community.

The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) is a global platform that unites art and human rights advocacy. Through its diverse programming, IHRAF fosters dialogue, raises awareness, and encourages meaningful action on human rights issues worldwide. IHRAF believes in the power of art to inspire change and promote social justice.

African Human Rights Short Story Prize: IHRAF Publishes Winning Entries

 

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SHORT STORY PRIZE: IHRAF PUBLISHES WINNING ENTRIES

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) is delighted to announce the publication of the winning entries for the African Human Rights Short Story Prize. This prestigious competition, which aims to highlight the power of storytelling in promoting human rights and social justice, received an overwhelming response from talented writers across the African continent.

The three outstanding entries named after esteemed individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of human rights have been recognized and awarded accordingly. The winners of the African Human Rights Short Story Prize are as follows:

1. Steve Biko Prize ($100): Victor Damilola Garuba for "Water Maid"
2. Prof. Pius Adesanmi Prize ($75): Chukwu Sunday Abel for "You Are a Criminal"
3. Binyavanga Wainaina Prize ($50): Olusoji Obebe for "At the End of the Rainbow"

These remarkable stories captivated the judges with their compelling narratives, thought-provoking themes, and profound exploration of human rights issues. Each winner has received their well-deserved monetary prize, and their works have been published on the IHRAF website, ensuring their reach to a global audience.

To access and engage with the winning stories, readers are encouraged to visit the following links:

First Prize: Steve Biko Prize VICTOR DAMILOLA GARUBA: "Water Maid" [Link: https://bit.ly/3CTQA1T]

Second Prize: Prof. Pius Adesanmi Prize CHUKWU SUNDAY ABEL: "You Are a Criminal" [Link: https://bit.ly/3XEF9ow]

Third Prize: Binyavanga Wainaina Prize OLUSOJI OBEBE: "At the End Of The Rainbow" [Link: https://bit.ly/44nlMlS]

The International Human Rights Art Festival commends all participants for their exceptional creativity and dedication to advancing human rights through the power of storytelling. The African Human Rights Short Story Prize serves as a platform to amplify diverse voices and shed light on critical issues affecting African communities.

IHRAF remains committed to fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and inspiring action through artistic expression. By celebrating the winners of the African Human Rights Short Story Prize, IHRAF aims to encourage writers and artists to continue their vital role in advocating for human rights, justice, and equality.

For further information about IHRAF and its initiatives, please visit [www.ihraf.org].