EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
VICE PRESIDENT
FACULTY ADVISORS
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTORS
STYLIST
Marcelo Acosta
Destiny Dixon
Anelia Dimitrova & Joshua Mitchell
Karime Sanchez & Luis Alvarez
Giselle Moreno-Alfaro & Dynasty Roundtree
SECRETARY JOURNALISTS (WRITING)
PHOTOGRAPHERS
GRAPHIC
Dynasty Roundtree
Destiny Dixon, Jesika Basurto, & Gabriela Meza
Blayzen & Tina Nyugen
Alayna Ritter, Giselle Moreno-Alfaro,
Jones, & Daniel Mitchell
We are beyond proud to present Prolific’s 3rd issue: PULSE.
This issue marks a huge milestone — Prolific’s very first full year as an official student organization. It felt only right to celebrate this journey with a bold, powerful statement: “PULSE.”In a world that often feels heavy with challenges and uncertainty, we believe it’s more important than ever to recognize the forces that keep us moving forward — art, fashion, culture, and the unwavering spirit of people. Through the stories we tell, the styles we showcase, and the art we create, we are reminding the world that we are still here.
We are still beating. We are still rising.
You — the dreamers, the doers, the readers — are the pulse. You are the living, breathing heart of change. It’s your cultures, your experiences, and your voices that give life to everything around us.
We are the pulse of the world. We are the heartbeat that keeps the culture alive.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Thank you for keeping the world alive through your passion, your creativity, and your truth.
Let’s keep it beating — louder than ever.
With love,
Marcelo Acosta
Marcelo Acosta Editor-in Chief
Destiny Dixon Destiny Dixon Vice President
Author & fi lmmaker known for her power ful novel, Thei r Eyes Were Watchi ng God –a fi rst that portrayed the struggles of a black woman.
W.E.B. DU BOIS
Activist, poet, novelist, and playwriter. Known for his essa ys and jazz poetry. His work highlighted the Black working class.
He was the first black person to earn a PhD from Harvard. Also, he was a pan-Africanist Civil Rights activist – a movement focused on unity between all people of the African diaspora.
Known as the “Queen of Jazz”, she was the most popular female jazz singer in the U.S. for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums.
Writer & civil rights activist. He covered topics of race, politics, sexual identity. He was also openly within the LGBTQ community – a rare feat in the 20s-30s
Known as the “Queen of Jaz z”. Her music connected deeply with the black audience. This cause the growth of the black music industr y.
Written By Jesika Basurto
One of the most important things that a person can do is educate themselves on experiences outside their own. With this comes learning about history and events that impact populations of people. This is a central purpose as to why Black History Month is celebrated. So we are taught not only about the surface level or traumatic events African Americans have experienced but also the beauty in the rich culture and heritage. February is Black History Month and is used as a time to acknowledge the achievements and contributions that Black individuals have had throughout history and the present day.
Black History Month also highlights powerful and impactful leaders who can be powerful role models for younger generations. Oftentimes we are not taught about these individuals in schools because the curriculum intentionally intentionally leaves out stories from people of color. This also goes to show that celebrating Black History Month is a time to show how there are still disparities in many of the systems in our country that lead to why there needs to be a greater understanding of Black History and contribution. Yet, also accountability for those who discriminate.
Black History Month shows resilience, beauty, and empowerment and was a month contended vigorously for. If we want to create a more inclusive and diverse society it starts with pushing education of the experiences of people of color and changing systems that try to keep the status quo white by leaving out the empowerment of people of color.
T H E H A R L E M R E N A I S S A N C E M U S I C D A N C E A R T F A S H I O N T H E A T E R L I T E R A T U R E P R E S E N T S A R E V O L U T I O N A R Y E R A T h e P r o l i f i c T i m e s
T H E R E G O E S T H E A R T S !
T h e H a r l e m R e n a i s s a n c e w a s a
g r o u n d b r e a k i n g c u l t u r a l m o v e m e n t o f t h e 1 9 2 0 s a n d 1 9 3 0 s t h a t i g n i t e d B l a c k a r t i s t i c a n d i n t e l l e c t u a l e x p r e s s i o n . C e n t e r e d i n H a r l e m , N e w Y o r k , t h i s e r a s a w t h e r i s e o f l e g e n d a r y f i g u r e s l i k e L a n g s t o n H u g h e s , Z o r a N e a l e H u rs t o n , a n d D u k e E l l i n g t o n , w h o r e s h a p e d
l i t e r a t u r e , m u s i c , a n d a r t .
H A R L E M G A V E S P A C E F O R B L A C K C R E A T I V I T Y
Music has always been a powerful force in the Black community—fueling joy, resistance, healing, and unity. From soul and jazz to hip-hop and R&B, vinyl records represent a timeless connection to that history. This shoot pays tribute to the sounds that have shaped generations and continue to uplift and inspire.
Jasmine Allison, a junior majoring in Family Services with minors in Social Welfare and Mental Health, serves as President of the Black Student Union (BSU) at UNI. She shared insight into BSU’s history, starting with the UNI 7—students who, in 1970, protested to create a space for multicultural students. Their efforts led to the founding of the Culture House, later evolving into today’s Center for Multicultural Education (CME) and the formation of BSU.
The BSU’s mission is to create a “home away from home” for students, offering a strong support system. “Our biggest impact is providing a comfortable place for students to find community,” Allison said. However, BSU has faced challenges, particularly due to recent DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policy changes. Losing DEI support has pushed BSU to find new ways to organize events like the CME Takeover and Annual Skate Party, maintaining their presence and traditions despite obstacles.
Despite challenges, BSU celebrated its 50th anniversary in fall 2023, welcoming the UNI 7, alumni, and students. This year, they’ve seen major growth in event attendance, deeper collaborations with other organizations, and greater outreach across campus. Every BSU event this year has drawn at least 100 participants, showing the organization's increasing impact.
Allison emphasized the importance of student organizations in building leadership and community. She credits her executive team for their support, teamwork, and positivity, which keep her grounded. "I'm grateful for the connections and experiences that BSU and the Multicultural Center have given me—they’ve truly shaped my success at UNI."
This spring, BSU highlighted Black History Month with events like the Soul Food Dinner, Annual Skate Party, Drumline Live, and Toast for Change, their formal closing event. Looking ahead, Allison and her team are excited to continue building momentum for 2025–26, including raising funds to strengthen their programs.
Students can stay connected with BSU through Instagram (@unibsu), Gmail, and their new TikTok and Snapchat accounts.
Cars have long been a form of pride and self-expression in the Black community—from custom builds to Sunday cruises. This shoot celebrates that legacy, recognizing how cars have been used not just for style, but as a cultural statement rooted in creativity, resilience, and community.
Photo Credit: Uprising
Destiny Ari'e, the creative mind behind CharmCharmz of Destiny Ari'e is a visual artist specializing in handmade jewelry and expressive artworks that celebrate nature, emotion, and nostalgia. Drawing these subjects not only provided a more connected space for Destiny but also provided her serenity as she used to be very anxious and reserved as a child. Instead, creating art helped grow her confidence and other passions that are crucial to her! Raised in a family of musicians, writers, and artists, she was inspired early on to pursue her passion for storytelling through color and detail. From illustrating books in kindergarten to exhibiting her works at places like the Figge Art Museum and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Destiny's journey has always been rooted in creativity. She studied at The Creative Arts Academy, Augustana College, and Rivermont Collegiate, earning scholarships and awards for her vibrant talents. Today, her shop features healing gemstone bracelets, crystal necklaces, polymer clay earrings, and custom art commissions. Every piece is designed to offer beauty, positivity, and a deeper connection to life's most serene and meaningful moments. Whether you need jewelry to protect your mind and soul from negativity, or a specialized painting of a loved one for commemoration, CharmCharmz of Destiny Ari’e has something for you!
I laugh when I look at the systems that tower
Cause there’s so many men in power
But I know someday a time will come
Where a woman will take a seat at a table were she was not originally welcome
I know right now there’s a little girl sitting in class
Who will be the first woman president and leave this old narrative in the past
We just need to foster our youth so that they can be
A better version of us and beat the things we could not beat
Cause, counter the narrative, with our emotions we would take more time to think
So when you say a woman on her period would star t world war 3
Just remember all wars were star ted by you and not me
Don’t forget the fact that you come from a woman
In fact it was your first home
You and me would not be alive were it not for her 2 X chromosomes
It may be easy to dismiss this simple little fact
But our world will be set back if we keep putting legislation on women’s bodies like it’s something to trap, so
It’s time to change course
Time for you to sit back, time to stop making an empty promise
And don’t get uptight when a woman star ts talking
Cause if you want to see what true grow th could be
We chose red as a symbol of strength, passion, and power—qualities that reflect the spirit of women who continue to lead, inspire, and push boundaries. In a world where women’s voices are too often silenced or overlooked, we vbelieve it’s vital to create space for their stories to be seen and heard, unapologetically and boldly.
Since stepping onto the music scene in 2018, awardwinning artist Daniel.Xavier has been steadily carving out his own lane with a sound that's as introspective as it is powerful. In 2024, he released his highly anticipated album AS MY SOL SETS, a project that showcases his growth as both a songwriter and performer.
Since the album’s release, Daniel.Xavier has kept the momentum alive with a string of dynamic features and collaborations. Performing across multiple venues throughout Iowa, he’s built a loyal following through his energetic and heartfelt live shows. Now, he's expanding his creative reach even further with VAGABOND, an upcoming interview series set to launch in late May, offering fans a deeper look into his world and the stories that inspire his art.
Among the multitude of multicultural student organizations on UNI's campus is the Asian Student Union. Madison Duong, the President of ASU, and Faith Zanoni, the Director of Marketing for ASU, sat down and had a conversation about the beauty and representation the Asian Student Union brings to the UNI campus.
Madison Duong, a senior studying marketing from Des Moines, highlighted how she originally joined ASU as “the vice president, and it was kind of scary cause that was the first exec role I had.”
Madison noted how “it was definitely something outside my comfort zone, but I think taking that exec role was the stepping stone to everything else I have accomplished.” For Madison, ASU has been an outlet that inspires her and her leadership. Faith Zanoni, a senior studying marketing from a small town called Albia, mentioned how the Asian Student Union “coming here, as a transfer student, was really an opportunity for me to find people who have walked similar paths as me.” For Faith, it was really out of her spontaneity that she joined a leadership role in the ASU. Faith stated, “If you know me, you know I do a lot of spontaneous things and end up with year-long commitments.”
Written by: Jesika Basurto
Faith then went on to say “I went to a general body meeting one random Wednesday because I had nothing else to do,” they mentioned how they had an open position, “I was like ‘Oh this kind of sounds like fun.’” Faith stated with pride “Then I applied” and Madison cut in to say “And she's still here” while laughing.
While they both are passionate about representation, they also highlighted how their experiences with discrimination and spikes in Asian hate during the pandemic have shaped their motivation to keep ASU a strong resource for students on campus. Regarding immigration policy “we are letting everybody know that
“COVID did really shape people’s views on the Asian community, un fortunately, even Asian Americans”
-Madison Duong
although certain policies don't a ect us specifically, we want to make sure that we hear their voices and that we are more than ready to stand with them.” Madison and Faith highlighted how post-COVID was a turbulent time for the Asian community and has had lasting e ects we still see today. The harmful rhetoric that stemmed from the pandemic is something that Madison and Faith stated: “has become so normalized that a lot of people don't really speak out against it.” ASU has the continuous goal to “continue to invite members and non-members to our events, everyone is welcome, we’re inviting people to these events because we want people to celebrate this culture, we want them to feel safe, we want them to feel represented.”
The ASU executive members want all to know that, as Faith stated “We're just a group of really cool people, who love to talk to each other.” ASU has the priority of making sure every event they plan, people can take something away from it. To every Asian American and Pacific Islander student they want them to know “We’re here, our population, we do exist.” Madison and Faith highlight that even with Asian students being a fraction of the student population here at UNI, “The small percentage that is here at UNI, is making an impact.” Faith expressed, “This is going to sound cheesy, but in my culture, we are considered brothers and sisters, no matter where you are in the world.” To which Maddy responded “Can the first line of the article be ASU brought the cheese! Because regardless of where we come from, what our home life looks like, what our upbringing looked like, we all deserve to be here at UNI.” All UNI students can count on the consistent support of the Asian Student Union and its family environment.
EDITORS NOTE
Cyberpunk, with its futuristic edge and neon aesthetics, has deep roots in Asian influence—drawing from Japanese cities, fashion, and tech innovation.
Listo shared that his cultural background has greatly influenced how he approaches life, leaving a significant impact on who he is today. "It’s affected me in both positive and negative ways," "To this day, my parents have never understood the American cultural sense, which led me to mature at a young age in order to navigate my education while being the first generation. Because of that, I had to learn, communicate, and educate others about my culture."” On a positive note, Listo also highlighted the ways his cultural background has been a source of strength. "When I tell people my ethnicity is Marshallese, many don’t know what I’m talking about, so I have to educate them and explain that there are different Pacific Islanders.” He went on to mention the various ethnic groups within Pacific Islanders, like Polynesians, Micronesians, and Melanesians. "I’m mixed with Polynesian and Micronesian, and explaining that to people who aren’t familiar with it can be a bit sad, but the bright side is that I get to educate others about my culture."
In what ways can schools and communities better support and celebrate Pacific Islander culture year-round, not just during API Heritage Month?
Listo shared his thoughts on how schools and communities can better support Pacific Islanders year-round, not just during API Heritage Month. "It's really important for people to be educated about API Heritage Month and to understand the diversity within the Pacific Islander community. Often, people assume my ethnicity by calling me Hawaiian or guessing that I’m mixed with other ethnicities. It would be amazing if more people were educated on the different types of Islanders. Additionally, seeing Pacific Islanders represent themselves and their culture through their passions is a powerful way we continue to celebrate. Leaving a lasting impact is very important to us. One key aspect of our culture is that Pacific Islanders are deeply family-oriented and religious, which can make it difficult for kids to rely on themselves or do things independently. But eventually, they grow, learn to make sacrifices, and become more self-reliant. I believe educating others about our culture is one of the best ways to support us—not just during API Heritage Month, but year-round," Listo explained in detail.
EMBRACING PRIDE by Jesika Basurto
Stylist By Giselle Moreno Alfaro
Photography by Blayzen
Graphic Designer by Marcelo Acosta
In collaboration with uniproud
pride Month is a time to Celebrate the achievements and progress made by LGBTQ+ individuals who continue to fight for equality while standing against discrimination and violence. It is celebrated in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising — a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. The Stonewall Riots, which were protests against police brutality, sparked the first Pride marches in the years that followed.
this month highlights the value, accomplishments, and rich diversity. i t encourages open conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and reminds us to advocate for love, hope, and pride in who we are. It is a time for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to come together, share their stories, and build a strong, unified community. With this in mind, we are proud to uplift the voices of students who embody Pride and bring meaningful experiences to UNI’s
ALLIE CLARK UNIPROUD PRESIDENT
Written by Destiny Dixon
Allie Clark is a senior from Houston, Texas, pursuing a double major in Psychology and Social Work.
Clark shared how UNI Proud evolved from a “ gay liberation organization” in 1972 to its current name in 2009. Over the decades, it went through various name changes like UNIGLO, LGBTA, and GLBTAU. In 2009, it became Proud, growing commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and advocacy on campus.
Furthermore, Clark shared what Pride Month means to them. “Pride Month is a time to celebrate individuality and how my labels empower and uplift me, ” Clark shared “
I use the month to connect with my family, queer friends, and uplift and support each other ” Clark added that Pride Month is a time to engage in community involvement. They noted getting involved with Cedar Valley PrideFest over the summer. “As an organization, we love that we can celebrate Pride Month and get out there for the campus community It’s an all-year round celebration”.
Clark also described challenges the LGBTQIA+ community faces and how allies can help address them “The biggest hurdle right now is navigating the legislative changes,” Clark shared “It’s made activism hard and has impacted burnout for members in my student organization.” They also pointed out that building community and finding safe spaces can be difficult. “You have to dig deeper to make connections.” When it comes to allyship, Clark emphasized the most important thing is showing up. “Join our email list or swing by a meeting! Grab a copy of Prolific! That shows you ' re being supportive about our community and want to see us thrive ”
“Division is going to hurt us more than it’s going to help us.”
When asked about common misconceptions, Clark said many people hesitate to get involved because they’re not LGBTQIA+ or still figuring things out. But that’s okay– Clark emphasized that you don’t need a label or all the answers to show up. ‘’Even the most vocal LGBTQIA+ activists are still learning,’’ they emphasized. “Just come for the vibes, ask questions, and be present!”
Additionally, Clark described ways the LGBTQIA+ community can remain united while celebrating the variety of experiences within it. “The most important thing is organizing and mobilizing,” they shared. “It can be hard when there are struggles within the community. The important thing is we ' re all working together Division is going to hurt us more than it’s going to help us. ”
Clark highlighted that UNI Proud places a strong emphasis on intersectionality in all of its activism “We’re not just learning about struggles of queer people, we ’ re learning about the struggles of Black, disabled, or Indigenous queer people,’’ Clark described. ‘’We're trying to understand how those layers impact everybody’s story and the perspectives people bring to the table.’’
turning the apocalypse into a runway—using drag, avant-garde looks, and bold makeup to showcase beauty without limits. In a world gone dark, their self-expression lit the way.
eo Bell, a rst-year student from Waterloo, is pursuing a degree in art education, blending his passion for teaching and expression.
For students who may be navigating questions about their identity or the process of coming out, Bell o ers reassuring advice: you don’t have to have it all gured out right away. “It’s okay to be unsure or curious about your identity,” Bell said. “And I’d also like to remind people that it’s not required for youto come out to people” Bell emphasized that coming out is a personal choice– if, when, how, and to whom you share your identity with is completely up to you.
“IT’S NOT REQUIRED FOR YOU TO COME OUT TO PEOPLE”
Furthermore, Bell is currently reading Page’s book, Pageboy, and highly recommends it, especially for young, queer readers. Bell also spoke about how allies can show up in meaningful ways for the LGBTQ+ community. “Honestly, just doing their best to be respectful and acknowledge that we go through things they’ll never have to deal with,” he said. B ell mentioned that while some of his cisgender friends don’t fully understand what it means to be transgender, their willingness to try makes all the di erence.
When asked about LGBTQ+ gures who’ve in uenced them, Bell named Elliot Page as a major inspiration. Page, a Canadian actor known for the lms Juno, Inception, and his prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy, has impacted Bell’s journey. “Elliot Page has been a great inspiration for me– from when he identi ed as a lesbian to when he came out as transgender,” Bell shared.
One moment that lled Bell with pride in his LGBTQ+ identity came on January 29th of this year, when UNIProud organized a peaceful protest against the ending of DEI policies across the country.
“It was truly inspiring to see how many people showed up, ” Bell said. “It gave me so much
SPRING 2026?