IHRAM Releases New Book, Magazine

 

IHRAM RELEASES NEW BOOK, MAGAZINE

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has announced the publication of two new literary works: the quarterly literary magazine Indigenous Voices: Heart, Hope and Land (with guest editor Kelly Kaur) and the book Never Again: Remembering to Heal and Overcome (Hear the Voices) by various authors.

This was disclosed in an official mail issued by the Founder and Director of IHRAM, Mr. Thomas Block.

Indigenous Voices: Heart, Hope and Land is a compelling collection that amplifies the voices of Indigenous communities worldwide. The magazine showcases their stories of resilience, history, spirituality, and mythology, offering readers a profound insight into the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous peoples. Through this publication, IHRAM continues its commitment to promoting the narratives of marginalized communities and advocating for human rights through creative expression.

Guest editor Kelly Kaur has played a significant role in curating this edition, ensuring that the diverse perspectives and unique experiences of Indigenous peoples are well represented. The magazine challenges readers to confront historical injustices, reflect on the wisdom of Indigenous cultures, and engage with the themes presented to inspire positive change.

Additionally, IHRAM has partnered with Yahad-in Unum Mid-America to release Never Again: Remembering to Heal and Overcome (Hear the Voices), a book that brings together powerful artistic and literary expressions on themes of remembrance, healing, and overcoming adversity. This publication marks the culmination of a five-year collaboration between the two organizations in presenting the Art of Unity Creative Award.

Yahad-in Unum’s mission to educate and eradicate ethnic and religious hatred aligns seamlessly with IHRAM’s vision of fostering global healing through creativity. This joint effort underscores the transformative power of art and literature in addressing historical wounds and promoting reconciliation.

Over the past five years, the Art of Unity Creative Award has received more than 1,300 submissions from writers and artists across the globe. These works have collectively contributed to a discourse that transcends division, urging humanity to move forward with understanding and unity.

The 2025 edition of Never Again features two prize-winning entries and two dozen honorable mentions, selected from over 500 submissions from more than 80 countries. Each of these contributions embodies the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, the commitment to healing and repairing the world through individual and collective effort.

IHRAM invites readers, human rights advocates, and literary enthusiasts to explore these publications and engage with the narratives that strive to build a more just and compassionate world. The movement remains dedicated to using art and literature as vehicles for dialogue, education, and change.

Both publications are now available for purchase, and IHRAM encourages the global community to support these vital works in the ongoing fight for justice, healing, and human dignity. For more information, please visit the IHRAM website or contact the organization directly.

 

Meet the Winners of the 2024 Edition of the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest

 

MEET THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 EDITION OF THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST

 

SANDRA SALOMY PHIRI (FIRST PRIZE) - MALAWI

Sandra Salomy Phiri is a dynamic spoken word artist whose journey began at the tender age of nine, thanks to her mother’s encouragement upon recognizing her talent. Her poetic voice has since transcended borders, captivating audiences in countries such as Malawi, France, and Ireland. Beyond her artistry, Sandra is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and a leader in global initiatives addressing nutrition, education, and climate change.

With a strong academic foundation, Sandra holds a European Double Master’s Degree: one in Environmental Occupational Health from the EHESP School of Public Health, France, and another in Public Health from University College Dublin. She also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Health. Her seven years of experience span Climate Change Adaptation, Nutrition, and food systems, during which she has served as an EU Climate Pact Ambassador and Country Partner for the Physician Association for Nutrition (PAN). Sandra actively engages in EU and UN climate policy discussions, collaborating on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.

Sandra’s leadership extends to her role as the Founder of Youth On Board Organization (YOBO) in Malawi. Through YOBO, she champions the inclusion of children, especially those marginalized, in education, nutrition programs, and climate actions. As the Director of Women's and Children's Nutrition Projects, she spearheads initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable groups. Sandra’s commitment to advocacy and research is reflected in her published work on integrating street children into education and school feeding projects, underscoring her belief in creating equitable opportunities for all children.

GRACE OLUWAWEMIMO OLORUNLEKE (SECOND PRIZE) - NIGERIA

Grace Oluwawemimo Olorunleke is a 400-level student of English and Literary Studies at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Nigeria. Born on July 24, 2003, in Abuja’s Bwari Local Government Area, she hails from Ijumu Local Government in Kogi State. A budding writer, poet, and spoken word artist, Grace is carving a niche for herself in the literary world with her compelling narratives and evocative poetry. Her short stories, She’s Just a Girl, which highlights the challenges of child marriage, and A Patch of Blue, were recently selected as winning entries in the ANA Abuja Short Story of the Fortnight contest and are set to be published. Her poems, including Whispers of the Wind in The Hope Newspaper and Memoir of Time in Scribe, have garnered recognition in reputable outlets.

Grace’s work delves into profound themes such as hope, resilience, gender-based violence, identity, and self-discovery, often inspired by her personal experiences and observations of the world around her. With a distinctive voice and a deep commitment to storytelling, she seeks to educate and uplift her audience, using her craft to shed light on social issues and inspire change. Her passion for writing reflects her dedication to creating impactful narratives that resonate and transform, establishing her as a rising talent in the Nigerian literary scene.

DANIEL AYOTUNDE OMONITAN (THIRD PRIZE) - NIGERIA

 

Daniel Ayotunde Omonitan (also known by his artistic pseudonym Digerati_DAO) is a multifaceted creative force who embodies the spirit of a determined African with boundless aspirations. He seamlessly bridges the worlds of communication, futurism, storytelling, and science, blending them into a singular personality of creative expression.

 

A serial creative with expertise in various writing styles, video editing, and poetry, Daniel possesses a voracious appetite for knowledge and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.  As a word artist, he crafts narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, wielding his skill to inspire positive change. He believes in the power of communication to influence choices and utilizes compelling language and media to create vivid imagery and convey impactful messages to foster profound dialogues and solutions.

 

Daniel currently leads the content and social media team at Queekly. His leadership extends beyond the corporate world, as he also served as the presenter of "The Youth's Council,"  a weekly talk show that tackles contemporary issues facing young people in Nigeria and Africa.

 

As a vocal Christian, Daniel's life is guided by the principles of his faith. He embraces personal growth and transformation, navigating his journey with a composed demeanour, an insatiable curiosity, and a deep reverence for the power of words.

 

Daniel holds a Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.  His ambition extends beyond his current field, as he envisions a future in bioinformatics where he can contribute to the advancement of genetic disease treatment and public health.

 

Driven by dreams that transcend self-interest, Daniel is committed to leaving a lasting positive impact on the world. His unwavering determination fuels his pursuit of a divine purpose, while his passion for words serves as a tool to create a lasting, positive legacy. He is the founder and executive director of the Poetry and Literacy Society, a vibrant community that fosters creativity within the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) community.  Through this society, he spearheads the Open Mic FUTA show, collaborating with the creative community of the Akure Tech Hub and the Editorial Unit of RCF FUTA (where he served as erstwhile Editor-In-Chief and Assistant Editor-In-Chief).

 

Daniel's literary works have garnered recognition across national and international media platforms, including Freedom Television Channel 34 UHF,  the Bash Amuneni Prize for Performance Poetry, Nasara Creatives and 60 Seconds Poetry, among others.

 

African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0 Winners Announced

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST 2.0 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

By Wole Adedoyin

 

The International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has unveiled the winners of the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0. This groundbreaking initiative highlights the power of spoken word poetry in addressing pressing human rights issues across the African continent, fostering creativity, and empowering voices for positive change.

From a pool of extraordinary talents, eight finalists were shortlisted, with three emerging as top winners. The competition featured a distinguished judging panel led by acclaimed playwright, author, and visual artist Tom Block, who commended the depth, creativity, and impactful delivery demonstrated by the contestants.

WINNERS OF THE CONTEST ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. First Prize: Sandra Salomy Phiri – Malawi https://bit.ly/3B07EWB
2. Second Prize: Grace Oluwawemimo Olorunleke – Nigeria https://bit.ly/48XNlFW
3. Third Prize: Daniel Ayotunde Omonitan – Nigeria https://bit.ly/3V0H3zz

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

• Adetola Eyimofe Jerry-Adesewo – Nigeria https://bit.ly/3CJmpxs
• Ananya Welankar – India https://bit.ly/4eGBUDI
• Christiana Kolawole Boluwatife – Nigeria bit.ly/48UdNQR
• Fatima Salihu – Nigeria https://bit.ly/3Cx2hyF
• Othman Amina – Nigeria https://bit.ly/4fL6PQw

The winners will showcase their compelling works at the prestigious International Human Rights Art Festival, set to take place from December 9 to 15, 2024 in New York. This global event will celebrate the unique role of spoken word poetry in promoting human rights and driving meaningful societal change.

Sandra Salomy Phiri, who claimed the first prize, was commended for her evocative and powerful delivery that illuminated significant human rights challenges in Africa. Meanwhile, the second and third-place winners, along with the honorable mentions, also presented thought-provoking performances that captivated the judges and audiences alike.

All winners are advised to contact Wole Adedoyin, the African Regional Director of IHRAM, for further instructions regarding their participation in the International Human Rights Art Festival and other related matters.

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest, a flagship initiative of IHRAM, USA, continues to provide a unique platform for poets across Africa to articulate their perspectives on critical human rights issues through the dynamic art of spoken word.

By spotlighting these powerful performances, the contest underscores the importance of creativity and art in amplifying voices and advocating for justice, equality, and human dignity.