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THE ARCHIVES
A LIVING HISTORY OF CULTURE CLASH
This page is where past issues live on with each one capturing a specific moment in time through long-form stories, interviews, photography, and cultural coverage. From early grassroots coverage to fully produced series, the Archives capture how Culture Clash has evolved while staying rooted in the same mission: spotlighting authentic voices and creative expression.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
Wake up, Galveston! The time is now and you better be ready. No longer will the rest of us sit still and shut up. We are a force and we have a voice. Welcome to Culture Clash where the other 60% of the population are represented! Within these pages you can find topics of interest ranging from environmental consciences to cultural awakenings. We have even sprinkled in art, music and good vibes too. Our contributors have expressed a passion for all that they do and you have been invited to the freak show. I offer you the opportunity to try something new, something that maybe you didn't even know you wanted. If there was ever a time to pay attention, this is it. Our world is changing and so is our quaint beach town. So read it, visit the good people that helped make it available, and send us your feedback. The more real the better! Then pass it along to a friend or better yet, someone who needs to see it.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
In this issue of Culture Clash, writers and other artists offer to us a perspective on the subject of intimacy. Their letters, articles, songs, art, stories, poems are to be heard. You are heard. Isn't that a phrase we wish for in every intimate relationship? Whether by your family, your partner, your business associate, your friend, your enemy, human beings want to be heard.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
Education plays such an important role in all of our lives and has a direct impact on our community, but society as a whole seems to overlook this fact. In this issue, we explore education on all levels: from early childhood where more books equals more success (p. 7) to higher education and analyzing is college worth it (p. 10). We have even explored gun violence in schools (p.11) and suppression of our students' voices (below).
JULY/AUGUST 2018
As Roger Waters said, "Money- it's a drag." For all of the good money can buy, it also brings about greed and can hinder lifestyles. In this issue, we explore money and economies not just here in Galveston, but as a global issue. From living as a minimalist (page 8) to futuristic currencies (page 12), there is a lot to think about. Some choose to save or invest all that they can however studies show that a majority of Galveston is living at or below the poverty level and does not have that option (page 15). What does it mean for our island's economy and communities?
MAY/JUNE 2018
Mental health is a serious topic that very few are talking about. Because May is mental health awareness month and because we here at Culture Clash magazine and our readers have people in our lives that live with mental illness and disease, anxiety, depression and general stress; we are stepping up to the challenge. Within these pages, we hope to shine some light on the internal workings of our peers' and colleagues' inner-most thoughts and fears. After all, we are all human, trying to be the best we can be. Some of us have managed to get a grasp on our daily lives, and others are still trying. For those that have lost a loved-one due to mental illness, we feel you too.
MARCH/APRIL 2018
The CC Crew is all about trying new things; you could say it is what we do! A large part of that is stepping outside of ourselves and listening to our readers. In an effort to bring together a cohesive and collaborative voice, we have chosen to work around a central theme. The March/April issue of Culture Clash focuses on the Galveston surf and skate scene.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
G-Town Texas, the unofficial 'Dirty Third Coast'! Say it loud and say it proud. The phrase "third coast" has been a jewel in the hip-hop community and has seeped its way into pop-culture. The cool thing is, we here in Galveston get to live it-erryday!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019
They say you should never mix religion with alcohol. So put down the frosty beverage and get ready to be uncomfortable. The November-December 2019 issue is all about theology with the sole purpose of clashing a few ideologies. The staff and contributors for this issue flooded our inbox with stories and manifestos sometimes hard pressed to find common ground. But this is a safe place and we have received every contribution with open arms.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019
Earth and Sustainability is always an issue, but this time it is a Culture Clash issue. With climate change accelerating and today's culture of excess, we recognize the need for a conversation is greater than ever. For those of us in the Culture Clash offices, our day-to-day actions revolve around caring for the planet. We have committed ourselves to bettering the environment and leaving as little negative trace as possible.
JULY/AUGUST 2019
The decision to base an entire issue on weed was not easy. We may potentially face ridicule and scorn from of those in opposition to the legalization of marijuana. We did face the fact that many business owners would not want to support a publication that dabbled in the taboo subject matter. But alas, we did it anyway.
MAY/JUNE 2019
If you would have asked me two years ago what the most controversial Culture Clash Magazine issue topic might be, I would have never said Family. But as it turns out, this issue has been a doozy. Family can be defined one hundred different ways. Regardless of your definition, the take away is love and support. If you have that, you have family.
MARCH/APRIL 2019
One of the main ideas behind having a publication that explores taboo or less open topics is to encourage conversation. "Let's Talk About Sex" has been such an exciting and diverse issue for the crew at Culture Clash. We have discussed STDs, transgender norms, and the sexual revolution! Our contributors have submitted articles on human trafficking and the "gay lifestyle." The vibrant encounters paint an ultraviolet image of a grey area. And on top of the education we are all receiving, the best part is purely the open dialogue!
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
"Galveston, oh Galveston, I still hear your sea winds blowin'." Those beginning lines of the classic Glen Campbell and Jimmy Webb song reflect on the memories of a young soldier heading for the Vietnam War. He remembers the sounds of our island. In this issue, we explore the musical sounds of our island home. The music of our island is rich and diverse - from the basso love funk of Barry White to the dreamy fuzz of El Lago and all points and side alleys in between.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
Three years ago Culture Clash distributed its first issue. On page 21 under an article I wrote titled, "Clashed Your Culture Lately?", I added, "Every contributor in this magazine's first issue is white. Come change that.... Beginning our fourth year now and for this issue centered on Black Lives Matter, most of the artwork and articles were written by authors with black and brown skin tones.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
Like so many of you, I never thought I was "into" politics. With age comes wisdom and with frustration and repression comes revolt. on it. Generation Z is all about standing -up and acting out against repression. Anyone older, you have no excuse, the future is NOW. This is the TIME! Act on it.
JULY/AUGUST 2020
I love beer SO much, and I really don't even drink it, save GIB Night Fall. That's weird, but I don't care. I love that beer brings people together. Of course, misusing beer or any substance can be bad for you. I love how people I meet at Galveston's breweries and bars have a passion for their beer. They converse freely about the taste and feel. They share beer pairing recipes and brewing ideas. People in this city seem to know how to enjoy one of humanity's oldest pleasures.
MAY/JUNE 2020
It is a whole new world and we are all in it together. When we planned the Tattoo Issue, I knew it would be a fun and colorful break from some of our more serious issues. I had no idea how bad we as a society would need it. The past two to three months have been consumed with Covid-19 news and information. The world as we know it may never be the same. Some may argue that is a good thing and others will swear life was prefect as it was. Regardless, we know change is inevitable.
MARCH/APRIL 2020
This topic has been a long time coming for the Culture Clash Crew. In fact, one of the primary reasons this magazine was started was to give a voice to the more diverse areas of our island. From the beginning we have tried to represent those who would not otherwise have a platform.
As a young woman in my early 20s, I saw something unique and beautiful in Galveston. Coming from a dysfunctional home and growing up in housing projects in Houston, I became comfortable with all races and cultural backgrounds. Moving to Galveston gave me all of the flavors of my youth with an island twist.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
Happy New Year Galveston! We are excited to start this one off with a BANG. For the first time ever, the Culture Clash Crew has tried to tackle a topic that is not that controversial at all. I mean, there is always a little controversy but who doesn't need food to live?! And who doesn't prefer amazing food to plain-jane, monotonous nourishment. Culinary Art is a vast topic in that it is more than just supplying our bodies with much needed calories but rather the experience food can bring.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
In this issue of Culture Clash, we explore tech in Texas and how technology affects us here in Galveston. Some have chosen to think of the bigger picture while others focus on the immediate impacts at home. Regardless, as technology takes over more and more of our daily lives, the fact remains that these types of conversations need to be had.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Buckle up Galveston because this issue is HOT (or so you would think when highlighting a topic as taboo as Polyamory). However after spending the last few months curating and creating this publication we have all learned that with polyamory, it is all about communication, which is sometimes less than hot.
JULY/AUGUST 2021
Summer is heating up and you can expect to find a few changes from the neck up. As the sun and heat beat directly down, we often find ourselves changing our hair for the season. I know I did! This change in appearance not only cools us down but shapes our mood for the month or season this new "do" lasts. For this reason we thought it a great topic to explore.
MAY/JUNE 2021
Here at the Culture Clash offices, it never ceases to amaze us how every topic of discussion becomes even more relevant as it unfolds. Since graduating high school some twenty plus years ago, I haven't really been around too many psychedelics. Then BAM! in rolls the new wave of psychedelic research and medicine. People young and old are trying alternative approaches to healing and the stigma of drug use seems to be shifting. Even my mom's friend is micro dosing to keep her anxiety at bay.
MARCH/APRIL 2021
Welcome to a SPECIAL ISSUE of Culture Clash Magazine highlighting the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Meet the inmates and one officer involved in the "system." The stories and perspectives here range. They offer only a glempse. Some articles are poetic, while others are a raw expression. We ask that you take time to really see our prison writers and hear them. For some, this is their only link to outside communication.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
Coronavirus, the murder of George Floyd, the presidential election - these are just a few of the events that contributed to the heavy weight that was felt by all in 2020. The viewpoints and beliefs that trickled down from those events made a divided country even more distant.
Lives were lost, events were cancelled, and fear is at an all-time high.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
If one of the most alluring draws of Galveston is the historic architecture and untold history, you'll get extra bang for your buck in our back alleyways. Alleys make for the perfect escape from the chaos of the main drag. They provide access to a more everyday way of life via our trashcans, abandoned toys, alley art, and the sounds of our neighbors washing dishes to the tune of the evening news. This is not for tourists ever this is unabashedly Galveston
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
A special friend and colleague came to me with the passion to write about homelessness. The topic carries so much stigma in our society, that the idea seemed obvious. I had no way of knowing how triggering and personal it would be. We spoke to travelers, people who wander the open road and had never ever considered they might be homeless. And then there were those who couldn't deny the fact if they tried. Circumstances and dumb luck are all that is keeping some of us from poverty and the rest of us are one major injury away from losing everything we have.
JULY/AUGUST 2022
In this issue, we highlight Galveston at night. Here we look at that special allure Galveston carries and what our locals and visitors are getting into after dark. The history is rich and so are some of the inhabitants. Galveston has come to offer a variety of people, music, food, and culture that make it a melting pot worth stirring. Don't be fooled by the glitz as not all night stories shine bright. There are always untold tales that may not sit well with most. Good or bad, Galveston's nightlife boasts its fair share of excitement.
MAY/JUNE 2022
One of the many draws to Galveston is the diverse community that offers so much color and life. In all that diversity comes the vibrant LGBTQ+ subset and we here at Culture Clash Magazine would be remis not to highlight them.
MARCH/APRIL 2022
When we announced this issue's topic would focus on women, a young friend and Culture Clash contributor sent in this lovely drawing of a mermaid on her side, sprawled out in the shape of Galveston. Ms. Sable Rose explained her perception of Galveston as a woman came from the many intricacies and bold attitudes the island boasts. Thank you, Sable, we couldn't agree more. She is mighty and she will not be washed away.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
Galveston is like no other part of Texas. While the mainland has very distinct personalities of what it means to be "Texan," Galveston doesn't consider engaging in the culture wars of Houston vs. Dallas or Austin vs. the world. Galveston is rooted in history. Some restaurants have been on
the island for over a century. There are houses on the west end that are older than many towns in the Texas interior.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
Environmentally conscious and green living are near and dear to my heart. At Culture Clash magazine, we have long awaited the opportunity to help Galveston realize its full eco-potential. A seaside city fighting flooding, crumbling infrastructure, sea level rise, and increasing chances of hurricanes should be the obvious place to start. However, old white men and archaic ideas still stand in the way of immediate change.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023
Galveston has this unexplainable draw. No matter where you come from or what your preferences are, you can find something to get into on our salty sandbar. The level of inclusivity that comes with lumping various lifestyles and backgrounds together makes for unique venues and experiences. So it is no wonder that Galveston is home to one of the most vibrant Queer Communities in Texas, offering countless LGBTQ+ friendly establishments, services, city support, and more.
JULY/AUGUST 2023
Our contributors have brought us insights and perspectives on where Galveston came from and where it is going in relation to gambling. We encourage you all to think long and hard about how you want your island to look.
MAY/JUNE 2023
For those of us that have been given the opportunity to birth a child, we understand that it is not without potentially serious trials and struggles. Our goal is to offer a positive and representative perspective on childbirth education. Each parent and physician's story is unique. We hope this issue offers something that resonates and reinforces the importance of your own journey.
MARCH/APRIL 2023
Being masculine can mean so much to so many. For those identifying as female, it can mean how you dress, how much you sweat, and that you love sports. For those identifying as male, it might look like being a good father or chopping down a tree naked. Whatever that looks like for you, we are here for that.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023
The funny thing about being a Galvestonian is that you are never fully immersed. Just when you think you know every back alley and secret spot, you are met with a new business or obscure hobbyist. Daydreams turn into actual happenings and friend groups evolve into committees for change. This island has offered my family and me so much. We have shed blood, sweat, and tears on and for Galveston because we love island life and the connection it brings. Nothing beats living on a sand bar somewhere outside of Texas.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024
This issue is a special one. You will find contributions from students around Galveston and their ideas on building better relationships in our community. We spoke to a few local small business owners and learned what being part of the community means to them. Every community can look a little different and has its own values and ideas it prescribes to; what makes the Galveston community unique is that we are resilient, neighborly, and willing to learn more to make ourselves better.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
Our team is deeply passionate about revealing the stories that have been buried or forgotten, stories that shape our little slice of heaven. Long before Galveston became the place we know today, our island was known as the Free State of Galveston—a haven for pirates, outlaws, and those seeking a life unbound by the constraints of the mainland. In the early 19th century, Galveston was briefly home to the infamous privateer Jean Laffite. He established a colony on the island, turning it into a bustling hub of smuggling and privateering. Though he was only here for a few years, his presence transformed Galveston into a place where the rules were different, the line between lawful and unlawful was blurred, and freedom was defined by those daring enough to seize it.
JULY/AUGUST 2024
This issue is dedicated to coastal wetlands, which include salt and freshwater areas surrounding Galveston. Fun fact: Texas has the fifth-largest acreage of wetlands in the United States, encompassing nearly 3.9 million acres of land. The wetlands serve many purposes, from nurseries to wildlife to protecting us from hurricanes and the flooding accompanying them. I am new to the island but have loved Galveston for many years; I finally decided to make it my home in February 2024, IBC. There is something so comforting about Galveston, whether it be the waves, the people, or the history. This island is a great place to hang your hat.
MAY/JUNE 2024
The fact is that we are all different in many ways and these differences should be celebrated and embarrassed. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all paradigms and ways of doing things. We now realize that when people take time to understand other's communication and learning styles better, we create more opportunities to connect. By embracing societal differences, we learn to accept each other for who we are and meet each other on a level playing field.
MARCH/APRIL 2024
Festival Season in Galveston - it's like a sweet melody that dances through our coastal breeze, painting smiles on every face it touches. The sun-kissed days of Spring stretch a little longer, and the nights hum with the promise of adventure. From Mardi Gras madness to the enchanting sounds of the Oktoberfest, there's a rhythm for every soul.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
Mardi Gras Galveston is nothing short of pure magic! I speak from decades of experience and countless interactions with various Mardi Gras players. Our great island has been hosting this seasonal festival since at least 1861 and the party has only grown over time.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
Being on a small island with a population of 50,000 means that people know their neighbors, community is everything, and most of us take a general interest in the well-being of our island. But with over 8 million tourists visiting each year, the residents often enjoy the residual benefits and drawbacks, especially of Galveston's online platforms. We must never forget that the idea of social media is to be social and, with any hope, engage people and communities to come together and share meaningful moments. Navigating a digital community can be a beast. Our island has felt the impacts of social media through increased visibility, new business opportunities, influencer recommendations, and more.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025
Galveston is best known for sun-splashed beaches, Victorian cottages, and Mardi Gras parades, yet beneath the charming facade lies a more complicated reality. In this "Darker Side of Galveston" issue, we confront the histories and traumas that rarely make the tourist brochures: slave auctions conducted on The Strand, the racist violence that followed the 1900 storm, and the quiet crises of addiction, abuse, and suicide that ripple through island neighborhoods today. By shining light on these stories, we're not seeking to sensationalize—we're hoping to understand, to honor those who've suffered and to chart a more compassionate path forward.
JULY/AUGUST 2025
If you've noticed, our magazine has taken a bit of a shift in the past year. The team has studied the nuances of what makes this island worthy of obsession. As someone who has been around the great state of Texas, there's nowhere like this hidden treasure. So many of the artists that have walked through our doors say the same thing, "Galveston wants to know ME and MY CRAFT." I can attest to this. How do you think I got here? (Thank you, Janese and Jess <3)
MAY/JUNE 2025
Culture Clash Magazine celebrates the vibrant music of Galveston with our 2025 Music Issue. Our island's sound is woven from diverse talents - blues veterans in bars, indie bands in historic venues, and classical ensembles in grand halls. They descend on Galveston to bring the community something special. Galveston's unique spirit fosters this eclectic musical landscape. It's about the passionate musicians and enthusiastic fans who create an infectious energy. Their shared love and collaboration shape the dynamic sound we have all come to cherish.
MARCH/APRIL 2025
If you're a BOI (Born on the Island) or an IBC (Island by Choice), there's something deeply meaningful about being here. Galveston has a unique magic. The warm, welcoming community, the soothing surf and sand, the quirks of the island itself—it all pulls you in.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
This issue's focus is "Healthy Galveston," exploring the ways our island is working to live better, longer, and stronger. The cover story dives into the details of what makes a Blue Zone and how Galveston can become one. If you haven't heard of Blue Zones, these are places where people routinely live to 100 years or more, thanks to a blend of natural movement, purpose-driven lives, strong social connections, and nourishing diets. These areas have captivated researchers and communities worldwide, and we believe Galveston has what it takes to join their ranks.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
The food we eat is often the truest expression of who we are. Some of us cling lovingly to our meat-and-potatoes routine, while others bravely point at the most mysterious item on the menu and say, “Sure, why not?” Either way, this island feeds us in more ways than one. In this issue, we celebrate the daily ritual that keeps us moving, nourishing our bodies, soothing our spirits, and reminding us that survival is both necessity and art form. Curating meals with limited time, tight budgets, or shifting needs isn’t just adulting…it’s creativity at its most essential. When done well, it fills the belly and the heart.
MARCH/APRIL 2026
As Shakespeare said, "Love is a many splendored thing." Positioned right in the middle of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, we find love and belonging. This tells us that Love is the third most basic human need after food and safety. In fact, the emotional need for connection through friendships, intimacy, and being part of a supportive group is what makes us human. Our "Love on the Island" issue touches on all aspects of what it means to love and be loved. Love can be complicated for some, and being on an island can add to that complexity. Learning to love yourself is always the first step, but learning to love an islander can prove challenging if you haven't done the work.
MAY/JUNE 2026
Galveston is so good. Good in a way that nourishes your soul. It's the food, the architecture, the beach, and the overall vibe. But nearest to my heart is the people, the true-blue, average islanders that make Galveston great. They come for the slow pace and the sunset views.
They plant roots because here, they can be authentically themselves. These beautiful people make up Galveston and create our unique culture. These people are diverse in education, skill, talent, age, sex, nationality and income. To live here, is to know the many layers and exquisite texture of our community. This is Culture Clash in it's most basic form.
JULY/AUGUST 2026
It's 5 o'clock somewhere!" "Let's tap a keg." "Let the good times roll!" "Crack a cold one!" 'It's island time." All phrases you may hear on any given day on the island. We love to have fun, and with that comes libation. Our ancestors started a tradition of good times and revelry here long before you or I arrived, and some say it is our right of passage to continue the party.