July 2021

Goodbye, my friends

With a hodgepodge of emotion swirling around my belly, I’m writing to tell you that this July issue will be my last as senior editor of BLAC. From the friends that feel like family, to the awe-inspiring people whose stories I’ve had the privilege to tell, this role has contributed in unquantifiable ways to who I have become as a writer and a woman. I’ll be packing it all away and taking it with me, leaving room for more.

It’s fitting, though, that this issue will be my last in this capacity. I’m sure you spotted our inaugural suite of BLAC StyleMakers on the cover. If I love anything as much as being a writer and editor, it’s fashion. And if fashion is the language, style is the dialect. Get to know each of our StyleMakers and discover what speaks to them and why (Page 26). As amazed as I was by the clothes, I was just as excited to see a few faces that I first encountered early in my career, like Sabrina Nelson, who I met in 2017 at the Kresge Arts Fellowships award ceremony. I was there profiling artist Sydney James for this magazine. Sydney was being honored as a fellow, and Sabrina was seated at our table, having served on the judges’ panel. When I wrote that article, I was a freelancer, but, not more than a month after it ran, I was hired on as associate editor.

Then there’s wardrobe stylist Marv Neal, who added the final touches by pairing each of our StyleMakers with the perfect accessory. A special thanks to Neiman Marcus at Somerset Collection in Troy for providing the watches, rings and things. I first met Marv when I came to his home to interview him for a different publication. This was even further back, when I was being paid in affirmations. Since then, Marv has become a dear friend to BLAC, and, although I’m leaving, I can’t wait to witness how that relationship grows and evolves.

Also, in this issue, publisher Billy Strawter Jr. sits down with Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, who recalls the early experiences that helped make him, while also considering the legacy he hopes to leave behind (Page 40). And, because we’re all about balance at BLAC, I sat down with a handful of polyamorous practicing folks and relationship experts in an effort to explore the culture of non-monogamy (Page 44). You’ll also find watermelon-forward recipes (Page 14) and learn how artist Mario Moore uses the idea of space in his work (Page 20), among other offerings.

To the BLAC readers: It has been my honor to help bring you the stories of Black Detroit. To the rest of the incredible BLAC staff: Y’all take good care of my baby.

Enjoy the issue.

Paris