Dear readers and friends,

As Chicagoans, many of us know that uneasy feeling when we notice a news reporter step foot in our neighborhoods for the first time.

That’s because our stories and our truths—delicate, resilient, and many times misunderstood—lie in their hands.

As the incoming editor-in-chief, I’m excited to nurture community writers at the South Side Weekly. With years of experience in grassroots and non-profit media, I want to ensure that local sources are carefully portrayed in every issue, and that each neighborhood south of Roosevelt Road can feel represented by their newspaper.

As a volunteer newsroom with a modest budget, we don’t have the capacity to do breaking news—but we are serious about providing you with narratives and thought-provoking analysis on the most urgent issues impacting Chicago’s South Side, and not just around election time.

Black and brown voices, and immigrant, young, and working-class perspectives are celebrated at the South Side Weekly. You will consistently read about people working for change, about people doing the most to survive, and people who are guided by love.

In this changing industry, we are on a learning curve, but we are determined to get it right with the support of our readership. So thank you for taking the time from your busy week to pick up a paper!

Respectfully yours,

Jacqueline Serrato
Editor-in-chief
@HechaEnChicago

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