I will begin this introduction with one of my favorite quotes written by Maya Angelou. I have shared this quote with many friends, family, and colleagues, and I’ll share it again. The quote is this one: “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” In another quote she says we are not born with courage, but we develop it “by doing small, courageous things.” As I reflect on my years of editing this journal, I admit I’m drawn to courageous authors— those willing to take risks and put themselves out there—those who admit to their failures and courageously learn from these failures to better themselves and those around them— those who challenge what we might initially celebrate. Courageous authors help us in our quest for “doing small, courageous things.” Courageous authors consistently check their virtues. Courageous authors make up what you’ll read in this issue.
A Journal of Community-Engaged Writing and Rhetoric