A quick look at literary blogs and news across the Diaspora

Jackee Budesta Batanda, as well known in some circles for her journalism as for her prize-winning fiction, posted recently (18 October 2012) on the policing of social media in Uganda, and its potential chilling effects on citizen involvement, participation, and freedom of expression. Her other posts this month include a meditation on Uganda celebrating its 50th year of independence; and an account of Americans (security personnel) in Uganda behaving badly.

African Writer Trust’s own Mildred Barya continues her noteworthy series on contemporary world literature with a review of The Sun Whispers, Wait, a poetry collection by Joseph Brown, SJ, Director of the Africana studies Department. Southern Illinois University, USA.

Beverley Nambozo provides up-to-date notices on the Ugandan literary scene, as well as the reminder that submissions from East African poets are still being accepted for consideration in (what else?) an anthology of contemporary East African poetry to be published by the Beverley Nambozo Poetry Foundation in 2013. (Yes, the funding for this is already in place).

poetry-potion The independent South African based Poetry Potion, Zamantungwa’s labor of love, celebrates five years of success – now in print, web, and video! In sharing her love of African poetry and culture, one woman seems to be creating her own mini-multi-media empire. Respect!

Another independent, the Canadian-African blogger Woyingi, shares her telling story of a being a child of the Diaspora, and of the importance that African literature has had for her. Woyingi also offers an extensive but carefully curated selection of links and resources; commentaries on global reportage of African events; and her own literary notices and reviews.

Finally, for now, the AfricaBookClub always has good interviews with contemporary writers, and reviews of recent and past works of significance.

We’d be happy to mention your blog, or other sites that concern African literature and culture across the Diaspora. To make a recommendation, please contact us.

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