The dissonance between the year that we have all endured and every preceding year of our lives is definite, and more than ever before we have all—collectively and independently—had ample time to reflect on ourselves and the world around us. Though there has been an immense amount of tragedy, injustice, and hardship over the past sixteen months, we have to hope that through this period of introspection and observation, a boundless swell of empathy and compassion has occurred within us and manifested among one another. A fundamental part of understanding is expressing, and I believe that the Red Cedar Review has provided a mode of expression for at least a handful of voices, and this is something that I am genuinely excited to share with you.

Unlike the previous editions of the journal, the entirety of Volume 56 was discussed, edited, and produced remotely. From September to December of last year, my staff and I worked fiercely to collect and discuss prose, poetry, and visual art from undergraduates at a myriad of universities, all while in the confines of our own rooms. We knew that the submissions were going to reflect the state of our world, as it is the artist’s responsibility to do so, but opposed to assimilating pieces that spoke to the unique experiences of 2020 with the rest of our submissions, we created a category with the sole intention of providing a platform to individuals who needed to share their experiences. This is something that I am intensely proud of, and I hope that you can find a sense of understanding and solidarity in the texts and artwork that we have had the honor of publishing.

If it is possible to do so, I would like to set last year aside and acknowledge the countless submissions which sought to explore issues, ideas, and emotions which are not overtly related to the events of 2020 and exist in a more familiar space. When looking at the recent responses to the world around us thus far, these submissions are the ultimate testament to the integrity of what we, as a society, fundamentally understand and care about. When all of the systems that we know and rely on seem to fracture, we still want to read and write about love, hope, and companionship, we still want to lose ourselves in a great narrative or a compelling piece of nonfiction. This, to me at least, is one of the more palpable silver linings that I have witnessed.

The production of Volume 56 of the Red Cedar Review would not have been possible without our dedicated editorial staff and our group of readers who have volunteered their time week after week to the journal and the pieces contained within it. I would like to specifically thank the Assistant Managing Editor Jarett Greenstein, as the relief of having another individual to help pilot the journal was immense. Another crucial part of the Red Cedar Review is Professor Kurt Milberger and his class of dedicated artists, editors, and thinkers who willingly took on the arduous process of refining the journal into its most presentable and honest form. Finally, I would be remiss not to acknowledge Dr. Robin Silbergleid, whose mentorship and seemingly endless wisdom has impacted my understanding of publication as much as the journal itself.

I greatly appreciate your interest in Volume 56 of the Red Cedar Review. I hope you enjoy the literature and beholding the artwork contained within as much as I did.

Warm Regards,

Jacob M. Largen

Managing Editor