We had a quick chat with ROOT-ed Zine, who are doing some amazing work in the North West. They’ll be tabling a stall at the fest in October, so look out for them!
Tell us about ROOT-ed!
ROOT-ed Zine is an independent bi-monthly magazine and social platform ran by me, Amber Akaunu, and Fauziya Johnson. Our aim is to use ROOT-ed zine to inspire, support, and promote creatives of colour from or currently based in the North West of England. We started the zine while in our final year of university, studying Fine Art in Liverpool. We noticed a lack of representation of people that looked like us in galleries, our university modules, and more and wanted to do something about it.
What does it mean to be a poc in the zine world, and at zine fest especially?
We have only been doing this for nearly 6 months and have not been to zine fest yet (our first will be Over Here Zine Fest), so we don’t have much experience to comment on. However, what made us start ROOT-ed zine was the lack of opportunity and representation within the art world. I feel like this is an issue amongst all areas of life, so it may be a problem within the zine community.
What would you say to potential poc zinesters who are just getting started or want to get involved?
I would say to just shut out external voices and opinions and go for it. Zines are so unique and personal, which is why I think everyone should make zines as everyone has a unique and personal perspective of life in general. Making a zine, especially one that deals with themes and issues that are close to your heart, is such a vulnerable act and so at first it may be uncomfortable to put yourself out there but after a little while, or maybe long while, you will gain confidence in your ability, your voice and therefore your zine.