Still Here – WACO Theater Center

STILL HERE uses the power of storytelling to build social impact. The project brings together a dynamic group of multidisciplinary artists and storytellers to unearth and focus-in on the unique realities faced by Black communities across the diaspora.

Working collaboratively, the storytelling cohort produces an issue of STILL HERE Magazine. The collected stories and special edition magazine inspires the production of new a live, immersive and interactive experience. Together, the magazine and the live experience raise awareness, inspire action and build a healthier and more informed Black community. This initiative is a reminder that–in spite of all the odds we are–still here.

Through the magazine, our goal is to expand the canon of stories that may or may not exist about Black people and our experiences.

Through the live experience, our goal is to reflect on our individual and collective assumptions about each other and allow the narratives of those directly impacted by an issue–move us.

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Editorial Team

The inaugural issue of STILL HERE MAGAZINE, is set for release Summer 2025.

The issue centers the experiences of Black women living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS. It features the stories of Black mothers, sisters, pastors, artists, neighbors, and others who illuminate the current state of HIV within the Black community. The inaugural issue is funded in part by a grant from Gilead Sciences and will be distributed in community locations across Los Angles, Houston and Baton Rouge

Asha French

Contributing Writer

Ashley C. Ford

Contributing Writer

Brea Baker

Contributing Writer

Christina Coleman

Managing Editor

Crystal Irby

Contributing Writer

Daric Cottingham

Contributing Writer

Deun Ivory

Cover Shoot Photographer

Dontaira Terrell

Contributing Writer

Jamilah Lemieux

Editor-In-Chief

Jessica Udeh

Art Director

Genel Ambrose

Narrative Strategist

Johnica Rivers

Contributing Writer

Josie Pickens

Contributing Writer

Keesh Winkler-Smith

Lead Makeup Artist, Cover

Keyaira Boone

Contributing Writer

Keyaira Kelly

Contributing Writer

Kierra Gray

Contributing Writer

Kimberly Knight

Contributing Writer

LaDeia Joyce

Contributing Writer

Lenora Houseworth

Contributing Writer

Loyiso Lindani

Contributing Writer

Marissa Evans

Contributing Writer

Melissa Kimble

Contributing Writer

Dr. Michelle Taylor

Contributing Writer

Natelegé Whaley

Copy Writer

Rae Lewis Thornton

Contributing Writer

Rukeyah Jones

Contributing Writer

Sarah Springer

Producer, Cover

Saray Guidetti

Producer, Cover

Photo Courtesy of Laci Jordan

Shamira Ibrahim

Contributing Writer

Sharyon Culberson

Contributing Writer

Shayla Lawson

Contributing Writer

Shirlena Allen

Lead Hair Artist, Cover

Thea Monyee

Contributing Writer

Tierra Smith

Contributing Writer

Sylvia Obell

Cover Story Writer

Sesali Bowen

Contributing Writer

Verneda Adele

Contributing Writer

Victoria Goldiee

Contributing Writer

Live Experience Team

The world premier live experience launches in Los Angeles September 2025

For this multidisciplinary performance and exhibition—we take it to the salon. Join our newsletter for more information and how to RSVP. The inaugural live experience is funded in part by a grant from Gilead Sciences and will tour to Los Angles, Houston and Baton Rouge.