Terriers in Charge: Chike Asuzu (COM’23)
Editor-in-chief of Charcoal, the student-run multimedia magazine celebrating students of color
The Georgia native says they were aware of Charcoal, which first launched in 2017, before they came to BU, and that it was a major reason for their decision to enroll here. “Charcoal fully centers the artistic experience, the storytelling, and the community needs of people of color,” Asuzu says. Upon arriving at the University, they immediately joined the publication, working first as a model for the magazine’s fashion shoots, before becoming digital content manager when its online version, Charcoal Connect, launched in 2021. In addition, Asuzu has been layout designer and director of marketing and communications before becoming editor-in-chief in 2021.
In the latest installment of our series Terriers in Charge, where we feature student leaders on campus, Asuzu talks about the work of the magazine and the importance of being able to give young artists of color a forum to be heard and express themselves.
As editor-in-chief, Asuzu manages a staff of 140, overseeing the magazine’s creative vision, management, production, and execution. The magazine, which publishes twice a year (December and April), continues to build its audience. Over the last two issues, Charcoal has seen a 1,000 percent increase in overall Instagram followers and a nearly 200 percent increase in event engagement. And last spring’s fashion show drew a record crowd of 425 guests.
“Charcoal has really expanded my imagination. It’s taught me about the world I can make around myself,” says Asuzu, who plans to keep telling stories after they graduate in May.
Interested in joining the Charcoal community? DM @charcoalmagazine on Instagram.
Comments & Discussion
Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (EST) and can only accept comments written in English. Statistics or facts must include a citation or a link to the citation.