Wales has a diverse history, with areas such as Cardiff Bay once being an epicentre of multicultural life in the UK. The country also has a strong sense of community around the Black Lives Matter movement since demonstrations took place in 2020. With many people in Wales striving for more black and marginalised community recognition, Xcellence Magazine is offering just that.
Xcellence was formed with the idea to help celebrate all people in Wales, especially those who have been subjected to racial injustice. The magazine is part of the community interest company, BE.XCELLENCE, which was launched in 2021, and is aiming to raise representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic people in positions that "hold power" by using a collaborative and multi-layered approach. Creative Wales funded the launch of the magazine through Ping News UK, as part of the Welsh Public Interest Journalism Fund.
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"We wanted to make sure that everybody know what was going on in terms of providing a space for everybody to share, practice and give new ideas that are impacting Wales," Donna Ali, BE.XCELLENCE director and Xcellence editor said.
"We wanted a place where everybody could exhibit their work and to let everyone know what is going on. There's three main points to the magazine. Number one is to give visual representation to different minority groups and also telling really positive uplifting stories about aspiration and inspiration. The magazine serves a purpose for young people seeing it and feeling really encouraged and knowing the excellence that is taking place.
"Number three, as far as I'm concerned, is most important. It helps people outside of the minority groups understand what's going on and to have some context. [The magazine] will be able to provide information, education, and more awareness around minority groups' lived experiences."
The magazine will be released quarterly, with the second copy set to be printed and available online to read. The magazine is set to incorporate business directory to help local BAME owned businesses.
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