Take a look at our staff listing page. Notice anything different?
For the last year I have been sitting at the helm of Code Z, bringing to the web what I hope has been a steady diet of innovative, informative news about Black visual culture around the world. Over this time I've been privileged to work with some of the best writers and artists of mine and previous generations: Greg Tate, Cauleen Smith, Deborah Roberts, Wangechi Mutu, Valerie Cassel Oliver, A. Van Jordan, Colette Gaiter, Kojo Griffin, Charles Huntley Nelson, Makeba Dixon-Hill, Thulani Davis, Piper Carter, Julie Dash, and dozens of others. As of today, I am proud to pass the torch to the next generation of Code Z impresarios as I move on to pursue other projects and interests.
During my entire tenure as editor-in-chief, I've kept a copy of the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics posted above my desk. I'm not a journalist by training, but rather an artist and writer, so I figured I needed some guidance in this area. The fourth section of the Code reads "Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other." I took that literally, and always attempted to look at you the readers as the real bosses of this publication. I hope that I've been able to maintain a high quality of relevant news and to serve an audience of Black visual creatives that was not otherwise being addressed. And with the help of talented writers, devoted interns, and many volunteers, I'm convinced that we accomplished that more often than not.
The new editors are Ayize Jama-Everett and Halima Adams. You may recognize their names as long-time members of the Code Z family. They've already got big plans for making Code Z bigger and better in the future, and I hope that you'll support them as much as you all have supported me.
Finally, I'd like to thank publicly everyone who helped Code Z along the way. Such a phenomenal project would not have been possible without the contributions of dozens locally, nationally, and internationally. Together we were able to create something special, and I have no doubt that in the future things can only get better.
Peace and love,
Cinqué Hicks
