“I tried to fit language into the shape of usefulness.

The world moves through words as if the bodies the words reflect

do not exist.” ~ Claudia Rankine

“It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy

justice can have,” James Baldwin from No Name in the Street.

Dear Reader.

I am especially excited for our second issue of Tethered, Summer 2025. I am honored to share the following stories from unblinding bloodlines, international premises, pool parties, girl biology, and silences to wishing you a garden, all emerging between the pages of this issue. My heart is filled with the idea and fruition to include a spotlight to a writer and an artist alike. When I proposed starting a journal with my writing group, I never imagined a project so inspiring would birth forth, Tethered.

I understand the unprecedented time we are in—the attack on D.E.I, the ongoing cuts of public funding

for education, science, art, and human services among the continued violations on democracy and

humanity. The social wedge trying to disconnect us rather than unite our differences. I am honored to

hone in on diverse voices and want to acknowledge the beauty in di erence: As the cover art, “One Day

You’ll Thank Me” by Cullen Breaux, displays brilliantly: A collection of discarded items—plastic flowers

and fern fronds, plastic eggs, wooden cutlery, cookie cutters, a golden toy soldier, monopoly money, a

beaded necklace, unused candle, a baby bird skeleton, and a honeycomb—on their own may seem insigni

cant, but when they are tethered together, form an unspeakable beauty.

This is is about art; like Tethered, it’s all connected. Freedom to express one’s self in any form is a God

given blessing. No one, anywhere in the world should be minimized for extraordinary expression-from

your truth (creative, bold, and other-worldly). Never allow anyone to place you into a box or to silence

your voice—that is my definition of FREEDOM.

Thank you for choosing to connect with this issue as we will all forever be Tethered.

Keisha Thierry