In the spirit of the Black Fire Magazine, the Home Rule Mag.Zine represents a new branch - in the world of grassroots journalism and historical writing - in the Home Rule Foundation’s efforts to highlight the stories of native Washington, D.C. music, film and other cultural expressions that are disappearing. In this first issue, we provide context to the Home Rule Music Festival and begin to introduce audiences to the manifold tapestry of music history in Washington, D.C

Our second issue seeks to continue that work of illuminating historical figures in D.C. music, art and culture while also highlighting major, contemporary events and figures in the scene today. This issue will feature renowned music writer Jordannah Elizabeth’s interview with saxophonist Javon Jackson and the iconic poet Nikki Giovanni; a review of the D.C. Jazz Festival and the Lou Stovall exhibit at the Phillips Collection by Majeedah Johnson; a preview of CapitalBop’s NEXTfest by Leon Spinner; a piece on the legacy of Wes Felton by Thomas Gartman; an exploration of the historical significance of Malcolm X Park as a music venue by U Street historian Briana Thomas; pieces on the legacy of the spiritual jazz group The Pyramids and the importance of the Smithsonian’s Hip-Hop Anthology by Jackson Sinnenberg; and the first ever print publications of two of critic Marcus J. Moore’s “Liner Notes” columns on the legacy of Black women in the development of Free Jazz.