CONTENTS:

Prose –

PIMENTO // Dean-Paul E. Stephens

Ms. Matti minds her business, her kitchen, and her chefs—even Ivan, the android she privately doubts is even sentient. When the young, intergalactic emperor announces a visit to savor her restaurant’s jerk, she’s warned about his disdain for  servant droids. Keeping Ivan out of sight is the smart move, but is that really her style?

IBRAHIMA AND THE GREEN FISHING NET // Aminata J

Maam Iba quit fishing 20 years ago, and now sits on the beach in his chair, searching for something that no one can name. But when he responds to the ocean’s call once more, what will he find there?

WHEN YOU FIND A DRAGON, NAME THEM FOR ME // Tamara Jerée

A young poet and a draconologist are the last survivors of an expedition to beseech a new dragon to protect their homeland—along with the amassed memories of their entire people. Can the two learn to trust each other before dangerous magic unravels all they hold dear?

DOLL SEED // Michele Tracy Berger

Chevella, a newly awakened Negro doll, is determined to find the human that is destined for her. But 1950’s America is a tough world. Will Chevella find her perfect human, or will she only encounter the worst that humanity has to offer?

Poetry –

A SONG FOR MIDDAY // Maz Hedgehog

Ọ́jí Íjè [KOLA JOURNEY] // Uche Ogbuji