Publisher's page.

Eight years and 48 issues! When you're closely involved in your work, it's easy to lose sight of what it is your work is accomplishing beyond fulfilling a self-defined purpose. There is, of course, the necessity of making a riving, of simple survival. You may also he in the fortunate position of being able to define the daily grind in the context of a well-focused mission. But rarely is it obvious the emotional impact we have on so many others through our efforts.

I was reminded of this disconnection in a recent conversation with a good friend who is an advertising executive and avid book reader. She was excitedly recounting her recollection of receiving a direct-mail pitch nine years ago inviting her to subscribe to a forthcoming magazine, Black Issues Book Review. Without hesitation, she recalled, a check was sent in the mail so she'd be among those who would receive the first issue.

"It was like someone had created a magazine just for me," she said of her fascination with the publication. Years later, she would recommend the magazine as an important advertising opportunity for her clients to reach African American consumers. Her enthusiasm and support have never waned since that first issue.

Even after eight years and 48 issues, it's not difficult remembering the void that BIBR filled. The choices for those who seek out African American authors have grown incredibly. Today, there are literally thousands of new titles by and about African Americans published each year, and we are proud of the contribution the magazine has made to foster that trend.

As Black Issues Book Review looks forward to its ninth year, however, our thoughts are crowded with memories of those giants who departed this past year, each one having touched us in immeasurable ways--Gordon Parks, Octavia E. Butler, Coretta Scott King, Bebe Moore Campbell.

The recent loss of Bebe is personally especially hard--for 22 years we shared a friendship. These were times when we and our contemporaries were trying to become better at producing work that mattered, a goal she achieved spectacularly. Her words would grow to flow with prolific flair, captured in nine books, countless commentaries, articles and readings. Time ignored our need for more, but her artistic legacy--and those of our other newly crowned saints--is secure.

We are reminded by these recent transitions of the importance of always doing our best work. Every chapter of our lives, every task we undertake should be honed as if it could be our last. In doing this, we set the bar at a place where progress--for all of us--can be achieved.

As we move closer to marking the first decade of BIBR, we continue to commit ourselves to excellence. Our mission is to record, advocate and celebrate the literary accomplishments of African Americans. In the coming year, we look forward to pursuing this mission through a number of exciting new endeavors.

We thank you for your steadfast encouragement and support. In return, we promise to do all we can to honor the legacy passed on to us, to uphold the standards set by those who've gone on, and to continue to create work that matters.

Ken Smikle

Publisher