Growing up, I was a ‘someday girl’. I had dreams of someday publishing a book, someday working for a newspaper, someday being an editor, someday. Until one day many years later I woke up to the realization that someday was today; the only assurance we have, not 2 years from now or tomorrow but today.
I remember while in my sophomore year of high school, for two terms I published a Christian newsletter, 20 copies for two terms, even though it was little, it only proved to me that we can dream and wake up and make our dreams a reality.
This is the start of another year for AfroElle Magazine and before we look forward we have to look back. "Sankofa is an Akan word that means we must look back to move forward so that we can understand why and how we came to be who we are today." You will notice this word in three different features in this issue. A year ago in May, I shared the idea of starting this space with two friends; Samantha and Agnes and I haven’t looked back since then.
After many nights burning the midnight oil editing interviews, proofing pages, designing layouts and dealing with stress induced deadlines, here we are with AfroElle’s Anniversary issue and first digital issue. Yipee! I know I still have a lot to learn about this publishing world but I’m grateful for this far I have come.
And because life is about creating your own Oscar moments, *clutching imaginary award*, I’d like to thank my Lord for His strength and guidance and for making all things possible with Faith. Much gratitude to my family for believing in me and my dreams and encouraging me to push on, I’m equally grateful to my friends and the strangers who have supported me and offered words of encouragement along the way. Special thanks to our team of contributing writers; JoVonna, Iman, Adeola, Nonie, Nicole and Lynn, who take the time to submit articles and ideas amidst their busy schedules and to you the reader for taking the time to read AfroElle! Thank you all!
Apart from our usual interviews, features and articles, this anniversary issue has a special feature called ‘Women Making Moves’ where we profile amazing women, from different parts of the world, sharing their stories of success. I hope you enjoy the read, feel free to contact me with your feedback and suggestions and let us know how we are doing so far.
MAY/JUNE ISSUE
Flip Through Our Digital Issue here.
Click on Individual Stories below.
In This Issue
Special Feature: WOMEN MAKING MOVES
Happy Feet by Iman Folayan
Summer Goddess by Adeola Gboyega
The Word by JoVonna Rodriguez
Imagine, Drive, Grow by Nonie Maingi
Making Dreams Come True by Lynn Irungu
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Gal, continue soaring higher and higher like an eagle.