Editor

“The Only Kind of Writing is Rewriting” – Ernest Hemingway

Less than a month after a milestone birthday, I left a comfortable position in local government after 22 years. At 40 years old, it could be said that I had grown up there. I had some successes – five increasingly more challenging positions were created for me, and I was privileged to win a few awards. Other highlights included leadership academy and design conferences, but I was feeling restless and unfulfilled. One day my supervisor told me that I couldn’t go to see my daughter receive an award at school (less than a mile away) because the then-mayor might need something before I returned. I was outraged and my conviction to separate had solidified. As a recently divorced, Black female entrepreneur with four young kids, it was terrifying at times. I didn’t know how to be successful as an entrepreneur, but I did know that I wanted to be in control of my time and life. After four years of struggling to make it, I met Alexandria Johnson Boone through a mutual friend. During a twohour lunch meeting at Yours Truly, Alex had found herself a new Creative Director for Career + Lifestyle Magazine. For 21 issues it has been a rewarding journey, and I have been pleased and proud of the work I created. That opportunity restored my waning faith that I could be successful as an entrepreneur.

If

Entering its ninth year of continuous publication, Alex extended another opportunity to me: Editor of C L Magazine. Without hesitation I accepted. Long before I ever graphically designed anything, I wanted to be a writer. As a kid I would consume countless books and issues of Vanity Fair. (Still do.) And while I had heard that writing is like opening a vein from your wrist onto a page (can’t argue with that), I write but take more pleasure in editing. Over the years clients would ask, “This looks great! What did you cut?” I’d always smile.

To me, that is a gift to be able to clip in a way that is indiscernible. Nevertheless, I am humbled by the offer to take the reins of C L Magazine. Moving into the Creative Director position is Barbara Somrack. Among other projects, Barb created the Women of Color Foundation’s Annual Report, taking some of the figurative weight from my shoulders for the National Executive Women’s Summit program book last October. I’m so excited to have her on our team.

The primary feature of the Winter/Spring issue contains the profiles of eight absolutely amazing ladies, some of whom I’ve had the pleasure to meet: Mayor Annette Blackwell; J. Rita McNeil Danish, Esq.; Helen Forbes Fields; Marsha Mockabee; India Birdsong Terry; Belva Denmark Tibbs; Tyniece Wingfield; and Angela ShuteWoodson. These powerful Black women are out in the world doing challenging work and meeting those challenges with grace, humility, passion, and enviable work ethic. I am so pleased we’re able to share their insights with you.

We are also excited to spotlight fine artist Laura Dietrich and fashion entrepreneur Charron Leeper. Don’t miss the great book suggestions we have, as well as articles by longtime contributors Natalie Rudd, Meltrice Sharp, and Cassandra Hill. We hope you enjoy this issue, and feel free to share any feedback.

Warm regards,

Jennifer Coiley Dial Editor, C L Magazine jen@cl-magazine.com

LAND studio wants you to be a part of our next public art installation! We are looking for volunteers to assist with the production of a large public art sculpture that will be installed in Cleveland Public Library’s Main Library in downtown Cleveland. Volunteer sessions will be held beginning Thursday, March 23 through Saturday, March 25. Each workshop will be 3.5 hours, sign up for one or many. Space is limited, reserve your spot here

Additionally, consider donating natural materials that will be used to create the final sculpture. These items can come from your own backyard or from your most recent events! Think of things like fresh or dried flowers, small twigs or driftwood, centerpieces, bouquets, wreaths, or garland. The items will be assembled with many other natural materials to create the finished artwork. Contact Megan Jones for more information and to arrange drop off.

The workshops are open to anyone who likes to work with their hands, be among fresh and dried flowers, and wants to contribute to a large-scale public art installation!

About the Artist and Installation

In partnership with Cleveland Public Library, LAND studio is bringing the work of Rebecca Louise Law to life. The grand and historic Brett Hall, in Main Library, will be home to Law’s The Archive sculpture.

Rebecca Louise Law is known for creating immersive installations with natural materials. Preserved flowers have become the signature of her most recognized works. Individually sewn and suspended, viewers are often invited to navigate through them, discovering the diverse forms, colors, and textures of each specimen.

‘Our human desire to collect natural objects has always existed. We archive and treasure nature as an appreciation of what we are given here on Earth. The most documented reverence of nature happens when honoring the life of another human being. In 2017 I created an installation ‘Life in Death’ at Kew Gardens in London, UK. The installation was made to illustrate the material value of a flower when it is preserved. Whilst working there I was shown an archive of Egyptian burial wreaths, some dating as far back as 1700BC, these flowers remain in the Economic Botany Collection at Kew today. Valuing all our Earth provides and each other is life’s beauty and I believe in these core principles when living today’. -Rebecca Louise Law, 2023

Sign up now to be a part of this work!