Justsmile Issue 5: How Do We Belong?

This issue reflects on the ever-relevant question of belonging, exploring themes of connection, estrangement, and the invisible threads of humanity that bind us together in a world often divided.

Mustafa, a 28-year-old artist from Toronto whose music embodies themes of healing and justice, poignantly articulates this seemingly irresolvable tension. In his cover story with our editor, Connor Garel, Mustafa tackles the complexities of memory, belonging, and empathy. “He may never approach the subject of romance,” writes Garel, “but Mustafa is always talking about love, all the ways we may find ourselves entangled with each other.” 

Our second cover star is actor Kelvin Harrison Jr, celebrated for his deeply intentional portrayals of Black historical figures, from Martin Luther King Jr. to the French-Caribbean musician Joseph Bologne. Harrison Jr. speaks to Nicolas Tyrell-Scott about the responsibility of bringing humanity to his craft. This winter, Harrison lends his voice to Taka in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins, and prepares to step into the role of Jean-Michel Basquiat in Julius Onah’s upcoming biopic.

For our third cover story, Vecinos, stylist Marcus Correa takes us to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to meet the neighbors. 

In Issue 5, Justsmile also touches base with industry friends Alex Sossah, Aymeric, Marcus Allen, Marika-Ella Ames, and Mark Grattan; catches up with rising designers Bianca Saunders and Connor McKnight; and visits artists Kevin Beasley, Eli Ping, and Ignacio Gatica in practice. Justsmile delves into the heart of Wales Bonner’s Dream Study collection, Howard University, and its accompanying publication, Howard Universal. Whitney Museum curator Adrienne Edwards sits down with with writer Yaniya Lee to discuss the life and career of Alvin Ailey, the subject of her “Edges of Ailey” exhibition. With fashion editorials from contributors such as Jeff Henrikson, Hailey Heaton, Francis Boisser, and Steven Traylor.

Shipping early-mid December.