Red Loam Magazine (RLM) is a digital magazine based in Boise, ID that highlights and amplifies the voices of People of Color and Black liberation through writing, illustration, and photography.
Intended to burn in a hole in the white zeitgeist of the Pacific Northwest, tis a space where diverse art and writing is brought to the forefront, and encourages exploration of themes beyond POC trauma. Red Loam is a magazine that fronts with care, liberation, and freedom of expression while also staying grounded in whimsy, color, and collaboration.
“Red loam” by definition exists outside of Western ground: “loam” is a type of soil that is ideal for growing plants in, and this particular kind of red soil can only be found in Asia, Africa, South America, Australia, parts of the Mediterranean, and parts of Central America. These are parts of the world that flourish with diversity and culture. RLM is meant to amplify the joy and stories of people originating from the areas that red loam occupies. In short: it’s meant to celebrate all cultures outside of whiteness.
The ultimate goal
is to have a growing community of readers that feels loved and supported by workplace filled with POCs and black creators. But the goal is to be able to contribute and love in a world where our writing is not discarded, but appreciated and amplified in drowning white literacy and media.
MEET THE TEAM
Gabby Treadwell
Community Outreach Coordinator
December Gonzaga
Photographer
Melanie Figueroa Zavala
Writer
Julius Bridgeforth
Illustrator
Ani Carnell
Writer
wE ARE A BUNCH SILLY YOUNGINS DOING SILLY THINGS. “WE HAVE SUCH A STRONG TEAM, half of the time we are laughing our butts off at team meetings, but everyone delivers at such a spectacular volume. Couldn’t have asked for a better CREW.” – Ky gathura (CEO/ FOUNDER)
Ky Gathura
Founder/ CEO
Jodie Schwicht
Editorial Manager
CORE VALUES
Equity & Reclamation
culture, in a variety of media, but primarily literary, are here to be expressed and amplified. AND IT’S ONLY MEANT FOR POCS. we are here to bring the narrative to the forefront, Not only to share stories, but to reclaim the white narrative that has defined our history for so long.
Creativity & Freedom of Expression
POCS artists and authors get to be at the forefront of whatever they are doing – the magazine is here to amplify THEIR work. part of the reclamation is setting new standards around what expression looks like and tearing down stigmas based solely around racial stereotypes.
Safety
SAFETY COMES FIRST, Whether that’s at community events or online. HOWEVER, With liberation AND BRINGING SOMETHING NEW TO THE TABLE comes sacrifice and risk. POCs – and especially black people – don’t have the privilege of safety in their writing. The only way to survive is tcommunity.
Red Loam Magazine 