Help Jayson & Laila Start a Literary Mag for BIPOC

Hello everyone!

Laila and I (Jayson) are coming together to start a literary magazine with an emphasis on creating a space for BIPOC Youth writers in Rhode Island.

Violet Magic (VM) is a RI Based literary zine founded by BIPOC artists Jayson Rodriguez and Laila Ibrahim dedicated to creating an accessible publishing outlet for local BIPOC writers ages 13-20. 

VM is a space and writing resource for writers of all experiences and skill levels. From the writer who has poems in their notes app to the student who wrote a creative story in English class, they're really proud of, VM is here for all forms of writing however they present themselves. You don't have to be an amazing or experienced writer to ever submit to the magazine.

Laila and I came to this idea through a Sunday night exchange of some writing we had both created over the last couple of months.

After I sent my piece, I sent her a text ranting about the lack of writing guidance, resources, and publishing spaces in Rhode Island, especially for the youth of our state. She slightly suggested we did something about it, but the comment swept away amongst the conversation of my piece.

Then Laila sent me her piece and after voicing my obsession with it, and wishing that I was just as good as a writer, she said "You already are!". 

Then she spontaneously proceeded to voice the idea that started it all.

"I want to start a zine of like RI bipoc youth writers."
and without hesitation or second thought I said,

"It's a project. Let's freaking do it!".

This idea had been a dream of ours that we thought we could never make possible but within in a couple of days we had our first meeting, and through a 5-hour long call, Violet Magic was born. 

The magazine will be available every season on our website for free!

 A physical copy will also be available to purchase for less $10 that will help us keep Violet Magic running!

Laila and I will be partnering with Providence-based nonprofit Queer Archive Work  as artists in residence for the month of November for the production of the very first edition of VM coming December 2020. 

By donating to this go fund me you will support the following:

- Help us start, and pay for a monthly website platform for the magazine until the end of 2021!

-Any printing and production costs of the Zine with a local press.

-Do monthly giveaways of books and writing journals by Black and Brown authors to RI Youth, the Violet Magic community, and beyond. 

-Provide professional development through workshops and guest speakers for local writers.

-Compensation for accepted VM submissions and writers.

-Supplies and resources for writing workshops for Rhode Island youth.

-Funds to donate to local bookstores/organizations or BIPOC youth writers/artists in need of financial assistance.

-Create a safe and equitable space for BIPOC writers and artists for their futures in Rhode Island and beyond.

Once the fundraising goal has been achieved we will provide a transparent breakdown of the budget to all supporters through our social media platforms and this GoFundMe. 

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

If you have any questions or concerns about this project please feel free to email us at [email redacted], or dm us at @VioletMagicZine on Instagram and we will get back to you as soon as possible! 

Let's make some magic happen!

With violet love and magic,
Laila & Jayson.