Black Zine-Makers To Support This Month and Forever
Written by Daphne Bryant
Image courtesy of Daphne Bryant, Emma Rose Rowell and Kristine Vo
Zines have always been for Black people, for Black women and gender-nonconforming folks. And yet, our contributions are oftentimes erased from zine history (shocker)! For example, I’m sure we’ve all heard of the Harlem Renaissance, a massive literary era that celebrated Black art, culture and writing, but did you know that it was also one of the earliest zine movements? At this time, Black writers or small groups of creatives would independently distribute what they called“ little magazines.” These zines featured everything from poetry to prose, essays of radicalism and experimental writing too, and spotlighted new, smaller voices alongside more famous names in black literature.
Of course, Black zines were also prominent during the Black Arts Movement and Civil Rights era, serving as important outlets for political commentary, and Black creators were (naturally) involved in the Riot Grrrl/Punk scene of the 1990s. They’d use zines for personal, anti-establishment and feminist storytelling, just like their non-Black counterparts (and often with more powerful, intersectional messages). What I love about the modern-day zine scene is that it’s so easy to find inspiration for your art, and so easy to connect with other Black zinesters. I mean, there are so many contemporary creators and their work is so accessible! It’s like a dream.
Hear me when I say this: zines never died and they never will. They are a medium that allow marginalized groups to express themselves outside of the traditional structures of publishing and media, and that’s important. With zines, you make the rules. You set the currency. You are the monarch of your kingdom.
Being Black, a woman, and also queer, I am kicking myself for taking so long to discover the world of zines. This is such a beautiful, community-oriented, and diverse space to be in; how was I missing out for so long? Alas, I’m here now, and I have a platform, so in the spirit of Black History Month, here are eleven Black zine-makers to support in February and FOREVER!
Inspiring zine-maker who uplifts art and archives and makes zines, collages, scrapbooks and memory work!
Director, photographer and founder of GASP Zine, print publication and gallery dedicated to showcasing artists nationwide and translating art and the world around it to GEN-Z.
Artist making zines, accessories, community art & more! Topics include Black cosmic tech, softness as a tactile-emotional feeling and community idea sharing.
Zine-maker and facilitator bringing the joy of zine-making to brands and people through workshops, content and editorial design. Also the founder of sweet thang zine, a community and indie press publishing work by Black creatives.
Neurodivergent and Disabled Art-Activist utilizing photo zine-making and collage as a form of protest to amplify the narratives of overshadowed disabled artists.
Feminist punk zine born out of a desire to make space for Black girls in alternative scenes. This zine focuses on the intersection between marginalized people and alternative subcultures.
Indie press celebrating Black girls & WoC who love heavy music, metal, hardcore, punk & more!
Artist who has been creating zines for a decade and focuses on making the publishing process more accessible for fellow creatives. Also hosts zine workshops all over the country and makes great video tutorials!
Digital artist and zinemaker who uses art and zines to express herself and connect with others on the basis of a love for art and creativity.
Black queer zine for the archivists, thinkers, rememberers, and culture lovers. They are currently open for submissions and looking to platform Black writers with something to say!
& also me! if you’d like…
Writer, creative director and founder of Dreamworldgirl Zine!
