The fall issue of Nebraska Quarterly is making its way to the mailboxes of more than 100,000 University of Nebraska-Lincoln alumni during the next few weeks. When they open it, alumni will find an issue that aims to shine a light on the university’s Black alumni.
In spearheading the creation of the Black Voices issue of Nebraska Quarterly, Kirstin Swanson Wilder, senior director of publications, sought to ensure the stories of Black alumni were told by Black alumni journalists and creatives. Many of the stories, photographs and illustrations were provided by alumni of color. The publication highlights the work the university and each college are doing on the diversity, equity and inclusion front.
“I hope all Nebraska alumni appreciate the value our alumni of color add to our professional networks and personal lives,” Wilder said. “It was a privilege to collaborate with so many stellar alumni journalists and creatives like Angel Jennings, Tony Moton and Joshua Redwine.”
As the message on the cover of the magazine relays, “Nebraska’s alumni are truly remarkable and none more so than the alumni of color in this issue. From Nebraska’s first Black football player George Flippin, who became a doctor in the early 1900s, to Meredith Ezinma Ramsay going viral with her electric violin in 2017. The list goes on. All are proud Huskers who got their start at Nebraska.”
“This edition of Nebraska Quarterly will connect our alumni nationwide with the stories of just a few of the Black alumni who are making a difference in their communities and are sources of pride for our alumni family,” said Shelley Zaborowski, executive director of the Nebraska Alumni Association. “It also will inform our alumni of the work being done on campus to strengthen UNL’s efforts at being a more diverse, inclusive community for all Huskers.”
A digital version of this issue will also be available online soon.
