The Full Story
About
Mission
A digital magazine highlighting the voices of Harlem’s youth (ages 14-25) through the celebration of our stories and lived experiences, revealing the heartbeat of our community.
Vision
Magazine is a digital magazine born and raised in Harlem, New York City, by youth, for youth.
Encompassing the stories of those who live, grew up, learn, work, and experience life in Harlem.
is more than a publication—it is a platform for us to celebrate our culture and reclaim our silenced narratives.
Magazine exists to spotlight the real lives of Harlem youth through poetry, photography, essays, interviews, etc.
Ubuntu, “I am because we are.” This magazine is a reminder that our strength comes from connection.
At its core, UbuntuHarlem Magazine uplifts, empowers, and reconnects as we collaborate with local artists, organizations, and each other.
Our Story
UbuntuHarlem Magazine is a digital magazine born and raised in Harlem, New York City, rooted in an idea sparked in South Africa—created by youth, for youth.
Created by young people who live, grew up, learn, work, and experience life in Harlem.
UbuntuHarlem is more than a publication—it is a platform for us to tell our own stories, celebrate our culture, and reclaim our silenced narratives.
In a time when gentrification, COVID-19, and digital isolation have made many of us feel invisible in our own neighborhoods, UbuntuHarlem exists to spotlight the real lives of Harlem youth through poetry, photography, highlights, interviews, etc. We honor Harlem’s rich history while making space for its future—one led by young voices full of bold creativity and collective truth.
Rooted in the African philosophy of ubuntu, which means “I am because we are,” this magazine serves as a reminder that our strength stems from connection. Ubuntu teaches us that our humanity is shared, that empathy is essential, and that community is both our foundation and our future.
Our Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Sharjah M'Bodji chose the name Ubuntu for the magazine after studying in South Africa at the African Leadership Academy with the School for Ethics & Global Leadership (SEGL) semester abroad program. She realized that English, a colonial language, cannot fully capture something that transcends colonialism—community.
We’re tapping into our leadership, ingenuity, and pride as we collaborate with local artists, organizations, and each other. We are not waiting to be seen. We are making ourselves visible. Seguimos aquí.