Auntie Bellum was a journal born of a movement over thirty years ago in Columbia, South Carolina. The original editors created Auntie Bellum for South Carolina women – for their art, their ideas, their experiences, and their concerns. In the first issue, they wrote, “This kind of publication is long overdue. Women here have lacked some necessary tools for examining what experiences they have in common with those of other women.” Those words are still relevant today. The original journal ran for four issues and featured a diverse group of women – including artists, activists, hair stylists, and beauty queens. They offered everything from history to health, politics to poetry. We are here to rekindle their vision.

In 2015, we recognize and continue to experience the inequalities that still frustrate the progress of the southern woman and her advocates. Our magazine will help foster community and serve as a resource in order to join the growing chorus of voices, who, like us, have ideas, imagination, and the confidence to bring about change. We are reviving the sincerity, criticism, dedication, and hope of that original publication, while broadening the scope and geographical range to include more women and more voices.

Auntie Bellum is inclusive; we are an honest, unapologetic voice for Southern women. Therefore we are looking for independent, fierce, and challenging southern voices on topics ranging from politics to parenthood and beyond. If you have a story to share, share it with us. If you know someone who is making a positive difference, let us know. All ages, genders, sexualities are welcome and encouraged to submit.