Nija Morenike' Matory

Nija Morenikč Matory is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She graduated from Jackson State University with a Bachelor’s in English. A graduate school dropout, she decided to focus on her writing and produced her first short film, “Shoe-icide,” in 2011 while simultaneously releasing her debut and sophomore novel, “Taste of Insanity” and “SHHH,” respectively in 2013 using her middle name. Morenikč has been writing short stories and poems since she was a young girl in elementary school. Her passion for reading and writing stemmed from her early introduction to reading from her parents. She states that, “Reading was very important in my home, my parents’ relationship started from the discussion of a book; reading created my family.” Her goals are to one day become a world-renowned writer, focusing on African American fiction, poems, short stories, film, and tv shows that reflect the African American community and experience. Morenike’ released her third novel, “Running from Color” in 2018 and first children’s book, “The Adventures of Mel & An” in 2022. She currently resides in Jackson, MS.