Welcome to the inaugural issue of Obsidian Magazine, where we’re bringing to life the untold stories of Black history and culture. Obsidian Magazine was born from the mission of The Obsidian Collection Archives—to uncover and share the remarkable, hidden narratives preserved in professional and personal archives for decades. As the publisher of this new periodical and Executive Director of The Obsidian Collection Archives, I’m thrilled to have this platform to bring these stories to you. I often find myself holding court at social gatherings, captivating friends and colleagues with the incredible tales I encounter in this work. Now, I’m excited to share them with an even wider audience.

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Each time we discover a collection of Black history, we have many ways to tell its story—whether through exhibits, blogs, podcasts, Black Papers, public speaking, artist salons, or even movie premieres. But sometimes, a single topic is so rich, with so many layers and twists, that it calls for deeper exploration. That’s why we’ve decided to make Obsidian Magazine an annual publication, allowing us to dive deeply into one historic theme with each issue.  Every issue will remain timeless and journalistically evergreen. In this first edition, our focus is on the fascinating world of "Policy," the numbers game that once served as the economic engine of Bronzeville in Chicago. The men who ran Policy, known as Policy Kings, were the venture capitalists of their time, fueling the growth of Black-owned businesses and institutions. They financed hospitals, built an airport, supported artists, and even established a bank, among many other achievements.

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Throughout this issue, you’ll hear from people who grew up surrounded by Policy’s influence. Their grandchildren carry these stories forward, and we’re honored to capture them within these pages. The stories of Policy aren’t just about numbers—they’re about resilience, innovation, and community strength.

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I couldn’t be more thrilled to publish our first issue of Obsidian Magazine. It’s a joy to bring these extraordinary stories to the world. Every format we use in spreading these good words brings its own thrill and satisfaction. In times like these, having our own platforms to tell our stories, in our voices, and with our community’s perspective, is essential. As we say in the community, we’re getting our stories straight! Thank you for joining us on this journey—there’s so much more to come.​​​​