SLU Welcomes the First-ever BIPOC Student-run Magazine
Last summer, amidst the fights for racial equality, Shedrack Bogonko ‘22 found himself wondering what more he could do beyond protesting and sharing resources on social media. He wanted something that lasts. He recalled seeing artworks celebrating Black students on the first floor of the Student Center and feeling appreciated. Yet, Bogonko realized that such sites were rare on SLU campus. Now, seven months after the heights of it all, he is starting the University’s first-ever BIPOC magazine called UBUNTU. “I want to open up a platform that builds and expands the voices of students of color and international students on a predominantly white campus.”
During his conversation with me this week, I realized that the fire from the fights last summer never died for him. When asked what UBUNTU meant, he said “I am because you are.” For Bogonko, the South African word embodies the core goals of the magazine: humanity, compassion and community. He believes that the act of sharing and emphasizing voices is crucial on a campus striving for diversity and inclusion like SLU. “The first goal is to be read,” he said. “We hope the magazine will draw in a diverse audience and expose them to the creative works of international creators and contributors of color. By recognizing and appreciating something new and different from one’s own identity, readers can open themselves to having discussions on diversity and inclusion, especially in a PWI campus.”
PWI, or predominantly white institution, is the same phrase that Tina Luchetta ’22 uses when talking about her decision to join the staff of this budding magazine. “While the publication groups I work for like The Hill News and the Underground are not for white people, they are often written and told by white students,” she said. “I, as a white person myself, feel that we need to accompany our words and statements with actions. If diversity and inclusion is our goal, then we need to pair it with grassroots organizations that work to provide a safe and comfortable space for students to engage in.”
For UBUNTU’s staff member Kenyeri Xelhua ‘21, the magazine is her chance of creating a memory on SLU campus before graduation. “I feel I don’t contribute anything to our campus,” she confessed to me during our Tuesday night talk. Yet, after almost four years on campus, the memory she told me was of her campus tour before admission. “When someone asks a question about students of color on campus, there was always a stumbled response or uncertainty,” she said. “We need something concrete for BIPOC students on campus, a celebratory space no matter the backgrounds they come from. We need something to give them credits for all the great things they made happen on campus. So, I told Shedrack I’m on board.”
What can students then expect from UBUNTU? Bogonko suggests that there will be interviews with amazing guests as well as art contributions from staff editors and students. Xelhua revealed to me that she will be contributing a letter to younger SLU generations in which she would provide her advice on how to create your own path. I lightheartedly call it her legacy. As for Luchetta, she playfully withdrew from answering. “Pick up a copy when it’s ready to find out,” she said.
UBUNTU officially revealed itself to the campus community on Feb 10, 2021. Bogonko, along with his team, is currently interested in more submissions from the student body. He shares this thought for those who would like to join: “the most important thing we look for is interest and initiative.” Xelhua and Luchetta agree. If you are curious about the magazine or want to submit your writing, reach out to Shedrack Bogonko at smbogo18@stlawu.edu or Thao Nguyen at tpnguy18@stlawu.edu. In the meantime, follow this inspiring group on Instagram at @ubuntu.slu where they will be sharing updates, launch dates, drops and sneak peeks into their upcoming issues. The first physical issue will be out at the end of the semester. With the pandemic haranguing our lives, here’s one thing to look forward to.