Following the digital release of Prolific Magazine’s first issue in May, the magazine celebrated its first ever print release of their second issue last week. The multicultural magazine was founded last semester by Diamond Roundtree, and the magazine established itself as a student organization this fall semester to help fund the printing of their second issue. Full of trial and error, this semester proved both challenging and celebratory for the editorial board of Prolific.
“We’re figuring out what things work out, making mistakes and then learning from those mistakes,” said Prolific President Marcelo Acosta. After Prolific was officially established as an on campus organization, they were able to utilize non-allocated student organization funding to purchase physical copies of their magazine for distribution. “When it comes to magazines, I feel like a lot of consumers would like to see it in person and have it in their hands. I wanted everyone to have access to the magazine,” said Acosta.
Vice President of Prolific, Destiny Dixon, also celebrated the milestone for Prolific, and what it means for the magazine itself to be able to give a physical copy to students. “Having a physical copy, it not only shows that our high priority is paying off, but it’s also a way for people to see a tangible thing we’re creating, what values we have as students here.”
Prolific Magazine isn’t just one of UNI’s publications — it’s UNI’s only multicultural magazine. Founded by Diamond in the spring of 2024, in the wake of diversity, equity and inclusion rollbacks at state institutions, Prolific aims to make space for students of color, especially at a predominantly white institution.
Dynasty Roundtree, secretary and production manager for Prolific, squealed with excitement over the magazine’s physical copy. “I’m so happy to see it come to life and do what we expected it to do … serve as a voice for the minority students on campus. We want students to feel like they can be a part of something,” said Dynasty. Dynasty originally joined Prolific because of her sister. “I had no choice,” laughed Dynasty, elaborating that her sisters have always done things together, and are always working to achieve more.
Acosta, Dixon and Dynasty all share a similar vision: create a space for students of color in media at UNI. For students in Prolific, they find their fun in expressing themselves, fashion, art, interviewing and telling students of color’s stories. “It’s very important that we have that representation in our organization,” said Dynasty.
For Prolific, telling unique stories from a student’s perspective is what the publication is there to do. Dixon explained that her personal favorite feature came from an interview with international student Haya Ishaqu Puzhakkalakath, a student from India. “[Puzhakkalakath] explained that she’s been having a really positive experience, but there has been some really big culture shocks,” said Dixon. “Hearing her explain these differences was just really insightful.” Beyond interviewing and writing the feature, seeing the photoshoot, where students were able to wear cultural attire, brought the entire story together for Dixon.
For Acosta, Dixon and Dynasty alike, the future of Prolific rests in student’s creativity and a willingness to share their stories. “I want our writers, our members to give them the opportunity to be able to freely do what they want with their creativity … I envision Prolific Magazine being a long-term thing,” said Acosta. “I really love the idea of having a magazine that’s based on giving a platform for our multicultural students to freely express themselves.”
Prolific Magazine’s second issue is available on Northern Iowan newsstands and the digital version of their second issue, as well as the digital version of their first issue, can be found on their website at prolificmagazinee.weebly.com.
