It’s finally here…
I think everybody who has ever event-planned or started their own initiative has had a moment of surprise when they see people rallying behind their initiative.
This is exactly what I felt with Red Pocket Magazine.
My first visions of Red Pocket were lofty. I envisioned an international hub for the youth of the Asian diaspora. But as a kid from the suburbs of Toronto, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to find supporters from all corners of the world.
There was adversity. I fidgeted with features as I struggled to build this website myself. I contacted person after person to help promote my message outside of Ontario. I went dizzy over reading legal jargon when creating contracts for our writers and artists. But the impossible happened.
I am now proud to announce that Volume 1 is out.
With seven written works and five art pieces, this volume emcompasses a variety of stories from the Asian diaspora. Take a look at A Gift to Give Away by Sajda Zahir, a poignant short story of a girl forced into an arranged marriage. If you prefer poetry, read over Yellow Buttercup by Alysa Suleiman. This is my favourite line:
Her mother longs for her own field back in her original home, close to the humid rice paddies, sweet smelling jasmine bushes, and ponds perfumed with the lotus flower.
Can you smell the flowers yet?
Or, if you are not a reader, have a look at Winnie Chen’s art piece, Cultural Identity, which literally uses red pockets as an art medium.
These pieces come from all over the world. From Quebec, to Nevada and California, I am truly humbled to see people from across North America resonate with Red Pocket’s message. However, more importantly, I am humbled to give our writers and artists a platform to share their culture and learn more about their roots.
This is only the beginning. I am happy to say that in addition to this volume, Red Pocket has selected its first team: Dynasty 1. It will be a challenge to run a team with members from Kentucky, to Pennsylvania, British Columbia and Alberta, but I know I could have not asked for a greater team to help build the foundation of Red Pocket.
I am excited for the new initiatives that Red Pocket will be releasing in the coming few weeks. Most of all, I am excited to see Red Pocket Magazine grow and truly represent and inspire you all—our readers. After all, you are our raison d’etre.
I hope this volume finds you well, and I look forward to seeing you submit work yourself.
With kind regards,
Barton Lu, Founder and Editor-in-Chief
