U-M students scale up the fight against lack of media representation

Alexander Knepley The University of Michigan student duo wrote the first pages of their print zine-a mini, self-published magazine-aiming for the middle of a target: to enhance the shift toward the representation of underserved demographics in the media. Students Rachel Kennelly of the College of Engineering and Isaac Coenca of the College of Literature. and the Arts, created Ur Internet Friends , a cross-media platform that seeks to highlight the art and voices of young and marginalized creatives underrepresented artists. The network, which started as a 40-mini-page zine, now has a website, podcast and social media channels to spotlight these young artists and prioritize their voices. "People are really trying to diversify their media consumption and to be intentional about what they consume, aware of the diverse creators,” said Coenca, who is majoring in international studies. "The heart behind our products is internet friendships and relationships that are created and maintained outside of physical space. Through this time of distance and upheaval, we've been able to create something that is grounding, unifying and hopeful.