In an inspiring display of creativity and collaboration, five students from Florida Memorial University have come together to launch “The Groove CLTR Magazine.” Founded by Chelsea Hopkins, Hardy-Muguet Zaou, David Buggs, Malcolm Lovett, and Ayr’reka Gilghrest, it aims to provide a vibrant platform that celebrates Black fashion, music, art, cinema, and culture.

The Groove CLTR Magazine’s vision was born from a shared passion for creativity. “We wanted to create a platform where we could showcase our creativity and allow other students at our university to show their talents,” Zaou, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, explained. “This passion for self-expression and storytelling is central to the magazine’s mission as it seeks to amplify voices within the Florida Memorial community.”

The HBCU Experience

The dynamic team realized that being students at a historically Black university uniquely positioned them to focus on Black culture and its influence across various disciplines. “Fashion was our first point of connection—initially, we bonded by complimenting each other’s outfits,” Zaou said. “Being students at an HBCU, it was clear that Black culture had to be central to everything we do. It’s part of who we are and the community we represent.” Their commitment to showcasing diverse body types, styles, and perspectives in fashion and beyond highlights the importance of representation in their content.

Zaou, a Paris, France native, came to Florida Memorial on a soccer scholarship, unaware of what an HBCU was. His experience at FMU has contributed to his personal growth and revealed the strong connections among people of African descent worldwide. “HBCUs are definitely a safe place for black people around the world,” Zaou said. 

Being part of an HBCU holds immense significance for the entire team. They embrace the legacy of Black excellence and innovation that permeates their institution, allowing it to fuel their creativity and commitment to uplifting their culture. “This environment constantly fuels our work and encourages us to uplift our culture and community,” said Zaou. 

Confronting Challenges

While the journey has been rewarding, it hasn’t come without obstacles. The founders face the challenge of creating high-quality content with limited resources. Hardy-Muguet noted, “Many schools have organizations that help students access the tools needed for magazine creation, such as booking spaces for meetings, securing equipment for photoshoots, and gaining funding for activities. Often, we draw from our own pockets to cover studio times, cameras, lighting, and props.” Despite these hurdles, the team’s resilience and determination shine through as they strive to bring their creative vision to life.

Looking Ahead

With aspirations beyond Florida Memorial University, the founders aim to expand The Groove CLTR Magazine to other HBCUs and establish a presence in the broader fashion and Black culture industries. “We want The Groove CLTR to become a household name in these spaces,” said Zaou, demonstrating their ambition to make a significant impact.

“Our magazine is only a couple of weeks old, but our back-to-school photoshoot and seeing how positively people reacted to it was our proudest moment,” said Zaou. 

The Groove CLTR Magazine is eager to connect with fellow creatives and anyone interested in supporting their mission. Readers can follow the magazine on Instagram and TikTok @thegroovecltr. For those looking to contribute or provide support, the team welcomes DMs from creatives at other HBCUs and accepts donations through CashApp and PayPal (z.hardymuguet@gmail.com).

As The Groove CLTR Magazine continues to evolve, it is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and cultural representation at HBCUs.