The first issue of Greater Govanhill, an independently-published community magazine was published in December 2020. It serves to challenge negative perceptions about the Glasgow neighbourhood that are often rooted in racism and spread by those who don’t live in the area. It provides a platform for typically marginalised voices and aims to reclaim the narrative.
The first magazine was funded by a Crowdfunder that ran in September and raised over £3000 for the first issue. Around 60 people from 12 different countries contributed to the magazine in some way, whether writing, editing, translating, proofreading or providing photography, illustrations or design. It features over 30 original articles. Besides English, certain features were also translated into Arabic, Romanian, Czech, Russian, Urdu and Slovak.
Across 52 pages, articles include a feature on the new Black Lives Matter murals, a Pakistani food guide to the area, interviews with local artists and makers, a Transylvanian recipe, a Roma News and Views section, a literary tour of Govanhill and an in depth look at the new South City Way cycle route.
Some 5000 copies have been printed and are currently being distributed around the neighbourhood. It is available to pick up - for free - from local shops and cafes. Greater Govanhill has also provided copies to local organisations including Queen’s Park Parish Food Bank, Al Khair Foundation, Glasgow Mutual Aid, Refuweegee, Community Renewal, Dixon South East Carers Centre, the Govanhill Community Development Trust and others who work to support the most isolated in the community.
Now we need community support to keep the project going.