FictionThatMatters.org

Fiction that Matters has moved to Tumblr and Twitter!

You can follow me on Tumblr at: fictionthatmatters.tumblr.com

And on Twitter at: @dejiridoo

Returnofthedeji.com is my portfolio site where I showcase my own writing and work.

–Deji

I have spent the past two years exploring the link between creative stories and human rights on this website. It has been incredible fulfilling. During this time, I’ve met some of the world’s best creative artists, attended fantastic events, and read a boatload of books.

I started this blog to explore whether a link between human rights and creative stories could be made and I was overwhelmed by the results. There is enormous nuance in the way that we approach issues of social justice, such that it is not always clear whether stories help promote human rights. But most of the time it is. The media featured on this blog strongly make the case that human rights storytelling can make all our lives better.

Enjoy the content. If you are interested in my other work and explorations, please visit my portfolio site at www.returnofthedeji.com.

We’ll see what happens. I’d like to thank my friends, family, and colleagues for your support in helping me with this blog.

Thank you for reading!

–Deji Olukotun

I’ve been taking a break to focus on my fiction and other opportunities. I’ve also written a few reviews. Two are print reviews that will appear in World Literature Today.

I’ll be participating in the inimitable PEN World Voices festival — which I consider to be the best literary festival in New York — which runs from April 26-May 2. I was an official blogger last year and I will be again, but I will cover a slightly different beat. (Not sure what that is right now.)

Visit Returnofthedeji.com if you’d like to read some of my fiction. I should be reading at the Brooklyn Artists Gym next Friday, April 23.

–Deji Olukotun

I don’t normally like to mix work and play, but in this case the two overlap. My organization, the U.S. Human Rights Fund, just released a very tight volume of case studies about human rights victories in the U.S. The stories are inspiring and offer practical tips about how to integrate human rights into your advocacy.  The report had a lot of help from social justice advocates and received direct sponsorship from the Ford Foundation.  You can download it for free here or request a copy.

–Deji Olukotun

Free food and drinks. World class fiction. What’s not to like?

–Deji Olukotun