Letter from the Editors

Happy Black History Month! It’s been a long time coming - in a couple different ways.

This February marks the 46th annual Black History Month, a yearly tribute to Blackness that has been commonplace for many of our lives. Today, we tend to limit the month to Black trivia and media, but its signi cance as a celebration extends beyond these facets. Though it has only existed for a fraction of the 400 years since Trans-Atlantic slavery in the Americas and the ever continuing oppression of Black peoples around the world, Black History Month is a shining light to those of the African diaspora. It is a homage to how far we’ve come and a glimpse of the progress on our horizons.

This issue has been a long time coming for us as a publication, too. This is Black Ink Magazine’s rst print issue since 2019, and it is great to be back. We are beyond thankful for our incredible team which includes writers, photographers, and graphic designers. It’s our pleasure and distinct honor to curate this issue with them and with our campus’ very own Black Student Movement. Everyone has worked incredibly hard, and we appreciate everyone involved. Having the opportunity to impact this publication is a hallmark of our own Carolina experiences.

As you ip through these pages, we implore you to consider the Black legacy, its continuance, and its perseverance. Many of this issue’s elements - whether they are the staff writers’ phenomenal pieces, our tasty recipes, or vibrant photos on UNC’s campus - re ect a layer of Blackness that doesn’t begin or end with us. Since 1969, Black Ink Magazine has been dedicated to revolutionary media, and we believe that this Black History Month issue is a testament to that mission. We invite you to take in our truths while keeping in mind that Blackness ows in every direction, and as long as there are Black stories to spotlight, we’ll be there - pens in hand. We hope you enjoy!

In Power,

Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram at @uncblackink

Visit our website for more frequent posts at

https://uncblackink.wordpress.com

A Word from UNC’s Black Student Movement

Black Student Movement and Black Ink are inextricably linked in the history of Black culture and voice at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Black Ink’s mission remains, “If Blackness can be transformed into pictures and words, we intend to do so, by any means necessary.” Since its rst publication in 1969, Black Ink has never strayed from its mission and remains grounded by our community. It has continued to be a publication made by and for Black people, creating a space for our community on a campus that attempts to silence us. The 54th Black Student Movement executive team is proud to stand with and support our premiere publication in all endeavors and is excited to see what the future brings for Black Ink magazine. The printing of this issue serves as a commitment by Black Student Movement to continue the tradition of print news from Black Ink to document our incredible history. Salena Braye-Bulls and Maxwell Morant

Special thanks to the BSM Executiive Team:

Teddy Vann, President Julia Clark, Vice President Jorren Biggs, Treasurer Mya Parks, Secretary Jayna Ellis, Communications Co-Coordinator La-Ontra Bacon, Communications Co-Coordinator Taylin Cain, Outreach Co-Coordinator Jaylen Harrell, Outreach Co-Coordinator Morgan Hyman, Executive Assistant