Journey 
Every day at about 9:30 am, as the sun rises over the city that never sleeps, Gabrielle Archibald stretches and chants “gratefuls,” then journals. Writing is one of her creative outlets. She says journaling is the birth of all her wildest ideas. Archibald, a 22-year-old Brooklynn native and Spelman College alumna, created Pardon Our Progress Magazine (P.O.P) to empower and showcase the multifaceted talent within the Atlanta University Center (AUC).
Archibald shares that some of her biggest inspiration derived from her family’s creativity. Clothing stores and furniture auctions were Archibald’s constant reality. “I can’t recall a specific moment that inspired my creativity,” she says. However, she does mention that “living with my parents and being surrounded by how they think” played a huge part.
Her artistic preferences stemmed from their ability to explore creativity within traditional professions (banking and law). Archibald says growing up in an environment that fostered creativity impacted her academics and career which led her to study at Spelman College. It was here that she obtained a BA in International Studies and created P.O.P.
The magazine covers categories of art, fashion, food, and politics. P.O.P. ‘s, “From the Wild West to the West End”, echoes her mission featuring Spelman and Morehouse student models, Truman Johnson (19, Morehouse 2027) and student reporter, Journey Powell (19, Spelman 2026). Archibald says the inspiration for this particular issue sparked after noticing the resurgence of Western culture within media, through a Black lens. “The backlash Black people received from Pharell Men’s FW 24 and Beyonce’s Country album led me to contribute to the discourse.”
Archibald launched a project for Black creatives to model, photograph, and write for P.O.P’s 5th issue. According to Archibald, P.O.P. was an idea discussed with her mother, then, brought to fruition, releasing monthly. “Consistency’s a big achievement because we had a small team and motivated each other,” she says. The young creative says the diversity within each issue’s theme allowed her to interact with many people. “It brought out different audiences each time,” says Archibald. “So we got to see a variety of AUC talent.”
P.O.P’s team consisted of Archibald, Morehouse alum and photographer Jalen Turner, and Mallory Butts (current Editor-in-Chief). P.O.P. ‘s name was discovered by Turner. “We were having a brainstorming session, me, Jalen, and Mallory, and I’m drawn to alliteration.” Archibald recalls walking around Spelman for inspiration. “Then we saw the big ‘pardon our progress’ sign on the construction outside of the new arts building.” It dawned upon her that things are always in progress – ever-evolving. “I felt like it reflected the AUC, we had a lot of things coming into motion, from donations to the new arts buildings, etc.”
Archibald credits childhood for her artistic drive. Her family and friends encouraged her despite society’s discouragement. “I’ve always been told, you have to stay within one box,” she recalls people often reinforcing this stereotype: “If you’re creative, you’re just that, and if you’re intellectually capable, just that.” These limitations forced her to surpass boundaries, establishing a name for herself and impact that’s felt after her first and last march through the Spelman Arch.
The journey of Gabrielle Archibald has just begun and she’s ecstatic to witness P.O.P’s evolution and her own. “I wanted to have some type of legacy,” she says. “Even if it isn’t the biggest impact, it’s still me and people will know it’s my name.”
By Journey Powell, Junior, Spelman College
Instagram: journeyaliah
True Star Media’s content is made possible thanks to donors like you. Help empower young creators and transform lives by donating at truestarmedia.org/donate.
