Become All is an online publication dedicated to the transformative power of inclusion. Through art, commentary, and analysis, we can all help create a better world, and celebrate ourselves and our communities along the way.
I created Become All in 2020, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and renewed, nationwide #BlackLivesMatter protests. A time when the deep fractures of society and within our collective psyche lay bare. I’m deeply inspired by many of my peers who use their gifts to speak on mental health, relationships, climate change, racial justice, the labor movement, the joys and complexities of being human, and so much more. Through both creative works and journalistic pieces, I hope to do the same here, as well as collaborate with likeminded groups and individuals.
Expect short stories, art, essays, commentary, multimedia features, analysis, and articles that explore a variety of topics.
About me: My name is Cynthia Betubiza. I am the lead writer, creative, and editor of this website.
I’m a Black female (she/her) creative, journalist, and writer from Maryland. My work has appeared in NPR, WBUR, Marketplace, TED, and more. I received my master’s from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and my B.A. in Journalism (minor in African Studies) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Go Heels!
And one more thing: The name of this site, “Become All”. I have always been deeply inspired by playwright Lanford Wilson. This is out of his play “Fifth of July.”
“And after they had explored all of the stars in the universe and all of the planets around each sun they realized they were alone, and they were glad, for they now realized they would have to become all of the things they had hoped to find.”
Thanks for stopping by.
P.S. Special thanks to Manda Villarreal, a Michigan-based designer and illustrator who created my logo. Check out her work here.
— Cynthia Betubiza