Issue 6: Editor's Note

By Alexis Shoats

Behind-the-scenes image from the Re\Center Holiday Issue Cover Shoot. Caviar, white linen, and a silver sparkly skirt are featured in the image.

As I listen to Jon Batiste’s Beethoven Blues, I'm reminded of the importance of this moment in our lives. Regardless of what we have or have yet to accomplish, regardless of the standing of our relationships with family, friends, or romantic partners, and especially in spite of the turmoil we face daily as a community, we should reflect back on this year with wisdom, resilience, joy, and pride. That our wisdom has carried us through every tumultuous moment personally and as a nation. That our resilience has kept us thus far. That our joy keeps being the light in our lives and the light that we follow. That our pride in ourselves and in our community will continue to sustain us and power our resilience, and allow us to grow even more in our wisdom. 

So, this holiday season, my hope is that as you gather with the people most important to you, that you are able to be as reflective as I am. The theme of the year seems to have been Joy In Spite. I don’t know a single person who hasn’t been through something this year on top of the challenges of everyday life. Yet here we are In Spite of all the odds, and that is reason enough to celebrate.

In this holiday issue, we aim to celebrate our community through art and cuisine as well as highlight BIPOC businesses for your holiday shopping. Cheers to the season of finding a new minority owned wine or champagne to support, to supporting local theatre, and to giving back to your community. It is also the best time of the year to raise a glass to yourself and those in your life. 

I hope this holiday season is the best one yet, and I’ll see you next year! 

Alexis Shoats, Editor-In-Chief