GUEST EDITOR’S NOTE

As I ride an almost empty rush hour 6 train uptown, I’m tempted to keep this momentum going. 2020 has been a catalyst like never before. While the weeks are dwindling away at this tumultuous year, I wonder if there are any more surprises in store before we toast on New Years Eve. For the past 90 days I’ve charged myself to abstain from alcohol or any other numbing agents. I wanted to be clear--I am clear. I am clear of any distractions or pseudo-moments of peace. I am clear about what I want and how much time I have to do that in. And I am also clear about just how monumental this year has been in many of our lives.

It may be said by future generations that this year has seen a government overthrown by its people, full of democratic revolt in the midst of neighborly kindness. Will our legacy, those of us who survived the pandemic, be that of inspiration or cautionary advisory? It is not lost on me that society has changed dramatically in the past 11 months. Yet like my newfound clarity, perhaps we too have found new ways of seeing and being. I can say with certainty that content like that of Violet Summer Zine matters. It is clearer now than ever before that amplifying a diversity of voices is what brings, not only editorials, but people into their dreamt future.

I can count on one hand the times that I have undertaken something that both challenges me and inspires me. Working alongside Melissa on this Zine is one of those things. I’m grateful for her leadership and dedication to impacting the publishing world by giving new voices like these a page to speak upon. I look forward to witnessing the next guest editor rise to this challenge of inspiration.

Keep your eyes open,

Nicole Lockhart