New magazine RiseUp to cover "racial and ethnic" issues in America.**

NEWSWEEK: What motivated you to want to create a magazine that focuses on race and ethnicity?
Janice Ellis: I was born on a small farm in Magnolia, Miss., where racial tensions were high. On my life's journey and through watching my parents live their lives, I knew that I didn't want to ever use race or gender as a crutch. Throughout my life I've always had a rainbow of racial and ethnically diverse friends but in 2007, I realized it was time to begin discussing some important issues. What struck me most was the Jena Six case and how high-school children were using some of the most hateful symbols in our history in this day and age to hurt one another. That proves that there is a real educational gap around race and what we hold in common.

What is the overall goal of this magazine?
To celebrate race and ethnicity and help us better understand our differences, celebrate our commonalities and build a great foundation to bridge the gaps that divide us.

** It has been our understanding there was no such thing as race. Please direct any and all enquiries here:

queries@usariseup.com