letter from the editor M
agazines have been a fascination of mine since childhood. The combination of compelling images with a written story is powerful and magnificent. Growing up, it was a goal of mine to be able to edit my own one day. To lead a talented group of journalists to produce volume 6, number 1 of The Local brings that childhood goal and dream to life. It has been an honor to bring this book to you. This publication was a team effort to bring you an authentic view of the Magic City and the people, causes and paths that fill it. Birmingham is historically rich, beautifully complicated and vibrantly alive. You could be a longtime lover of this city or new to the area. Either way, I hope reading this gives you an honest view of Birmingham. We broke the magazine up into three sections built on our mission statement: amplify voices, ignite conversation and encourage change. Each of our stories corresponds with one of those calls to action. Building on my childhood fascination, now I have my own - we have our own combination of compelling images and written stories to tell. I hope it impacts you and gives you a glimpse into the world that Birmingham is and is becoming. Thank you for bringing us along with you with The Local. Sincerely,
