Submissions should be aimed at provoking discussion about race and identity and catalyzing the eradication of racism. We are interested in essays that take up questions of race with special attention to gender, class, sexuality, age, culture and ethnicity.
We are open to all media:
Essays
Position Papers
Book and Film Reviews
Advocacy Calls to Action
Reprints of Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor
Photography
Poetry and Creative Fiction
(and possibly webcasts or audio pieces – coming soon)
Deadline: Rolling. Expect two weeks for your submission to be reviewed. Chosen submissions will be posted on a rolling basis, planned against other posts received.
Format for Content: Word document, single-spaced, ideally between 400 and 600 words. Include contact information and short bio. Hyperlinks and images should be submitted separately with clear indication of placement.
Send to: blog@swirlinc.org
Thanks for contributing to our community conversation!
Jen Chau
Executive Director, Swirl, Inc.
Email: jenchau@swirlinc.org
I’m a sociology instructor at a midwestern university and recently showed a part of the documentary series Eyes on the Prize. The section dealing with the Freedom Rides was truly inspiration to some of my white students, seeing people their age pledging their well-being and lives fighting racism via the end of segregation in the south. One particularly moving part was seeing a young white man badly beaten in a hospital bed saying that they must see segregation ended, even if it means his life. Showing stories of multiracial unity and successful fight back against racism is very powerful in terms of inspiring those feelings in people today.
I like the idea of contributing, however cam we come up with a pen name if we would like not to be identified. I work at a state institution and privacy is a must. Thanks.
Ann, no problem! We would love to receive your work. If it fits with our blog, we can certainly post it anonymously. Thanks for your interest!
Just popped over here for the first time today and am loving it so far! And I would love to think about contributing. What is your feeling on pieces that were previously published on the writer’s own blog, but nowhere else?
Glad that you are enjoying our blog so far! We would love to consider pieces that were first posted on your blog – as long as they are a good fit for what we talk about here at Swirl! Send away!
I truly believe it takes one person to stand up to create change. I’m one person that goes out and pushes the limits alot of people may not agree but I’ve lived through the after effects of a civil rights movement after King’s passing in Atlanta. And seeing the changes both good and bad as a evolution of race manifested into a openness few southern states can claim.
I am glad I am one Gentle Humble Man that can claim I’ve made a profound difference in my life by loving everyone, and allowing that love to manifest.
Robert Tracy