Interviews

In this new venture, Tish explores the migration stories of how people from all walks of life, from all over the world, end up in C-U. We start with Nubras Samayeen's story, a PhD student in architecture and mother of two from Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Megan speaks with Lisette Mbaki and Memoire Budimbu Mabiza, owners of Urbana's Best of Africa Food Store. 

In our continuation our articles looking back at 10 years of publishing, we speak with one of the founders, Mason Kessinger, who shaped what Smile Politely would look like.

In this installment of Master Tracks, Austin sits down with local recording engineer and guitar player Colin Althaus. 

Nicole speaks with Dr. Candice Jenkins, Associate Professor of English & African American Studies at UIUC, about the Black Panther juggernaut, African American literary trends, and this very fertile moment in African American storytelling via literature, cinema, and television.

As we look back at 10 years of publishing at Smile Politely, we talk with one of the founders of this here magazine, Chris Maier.

Austin sits down with his new favorite local band: instrumental emo/math rockers Parachute Day. 

Food & Drink Editor Jess Hammie takes doughnut research very seriously, and tries a whole lot of flavors.

Anisa talks with Christopher Hamb, owner of Chrisp Media, about what he's learned from starting his own business.