At one point or another, we've all read Homer's "Odyssey," or at least have heard of it. The epic tale of a long-suffering hero who, after 10 years of war and another 10 years at sea, finds his way home to reclaim his throne. During the process of creating this, our first posting, I have often thought of this as an Odyssey of my own. Somehow I have managed to navigate I and my staff, a talented group of brilliant young women of color, in creating a publication that we hope is as epic as its namesake. We've pulled together our experiences and knowledge to publish something we hope the Spelman, Atlanta University Center, and general community will find inspiring.

In "Black Women Matter Too!" we explore an issue that has come to the forefront as of late. We shout that we need to value the lives of black men, but we have given little consideration to black women, despite their contributions to society. Being a black woman at a historically black institution, I would be remiss if I did not use this platform to discuss the issues that are dear to me and my sisters. In "The Price of Gold," Nneka Hillocks tells the inspiring story of a young, Muslim, female, gymnast who is facing criticism from her religious community because of her choice to honor the tradition of her sport with her attire. And finally, Zhané Hibbit shares her experience having an incarcerated sibling. When I recently attended a conference in North Carolina, we discussed mass incarceration. I found myself frustrated with my peers who were clouded by their lenses of privilege. I'm hoping that piece will inspire them to change their viewpoint.

These are just a few of the bold ideas that I hope will be the norm while we write our odyssey. My staff and I are currently on a journey that we hope will take us to where we are meant to be. By this I mean, we hope to create and find a safe space to develop our voices in our Spelman community.