Volume 1
The first volume of Umbra consisted of only written works of arts (poems and one act plays). Artists wrote about the everyday life experiences black people faced in the time of oppression they were in, referencing slavery, Booker T Washington, Malcolm X and being black in WW2. During this time many African Americans wondered why God made them black and had many feelings of not wanting to be alive and they express these strong emotions throughout the magazine to really expose how the black community felt as a whole. They realized their pens had the power "to make every voice sing" and they were ready to put them to use; this is alluded to on the cover of the magazine depicting a man who appears to be singing a soulful song. Being their first edition, the group wanted to send a message of unity to the community for the common goals of liberty and freedom finally allowing their voices to come out of its silence and make a joyful noise for change. They knew it would not be easy, but they were determined to overcome the troubling times and make it through.