LOUISVILLE, Ky. — You might not know about it yet, but there’s a relatively new magazine based in Louisville. The owner and creator hopes to inspire people and celebrate Black excellence worldwide. 

Originally from Nigeria, Oremeyi Kareem moved to Louisville in 1995.

“Coming here as an immigrant, it was quite a bit of a challenge of adjusting.” Kareem, the owner and founder of Vome Magazine, explained to Spectrum News 1.

She and her family adjusted. But, she said she noticed something was missing years ago, and that actually sparked something new.

“What inspired me to start the magazine was because I saw that as Black people and as an African, our stories were not being told or they were not being told correctly.” Kareem explained. “Who is the best person to tell your story, then you yourself?”

So, years ago, she had an idea. Why not create a magazine? At first, she says people doubted her.

“’Everyone said ‘who reads magazines?’ ‘In Louisville, Kentucky?!’ Somebody said ‘You’re not Oprah. What gives you the audacity to start a magazine?’ For me, I love a good challenge.” Kareem added, “Those are the types of words that get me going.’”

The wife and mother of 3 adult children is a nurse by profession and has been in the fashion industry for more than a decade. She used to own a boutique. She didn’t know a thing about how to start a magazine, but she learned. Five years ago she launched her magazine. The name she chose was Vome and it’s meaningful. In her Nigerian language, it literally translates to “make it happen”.

“Because I didn’t realize in my life that was actually my motor. Like, I would always tell people, ‘Make it happen. Stop making excuses. If you want it bad enough, make it happen.’” Kareem said.

The magazines goal? Showcase Black excellence.

“We live in a society where Black is perceived to be bad and evil and everything Black is looked upon as negative. So, in telling our stories, we have to only change the stereotypical notion of Black people. We also have to showcase Black excellence. A lot of times we don’t see all the positivity going on in the community.” Kareem explained. 

On the covers and pages, you can find vibrant, colorful photos and stories about people. It features people from across the world.

Kareem explained to Spectrum News, “I decided we have to have a platform that showcases all the stories that showcase Black men and women who are doing amazing stuff because there are a lot of Black people who are doing great stuff but they never get the opportunity of the platform to showcase that.”

There was a particular issue, one about social justice, she said, was very hard for her to put together.

“That one was probably the most emotional one to put together because having to compile names of Black people, especially young people that we’ve lost,” Kareem explained.

She’s getting recognition. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer gave her a proclamation naming June 4, 2022 as “Vome Magazine Oreyemi Kareem Day” in Louisville. About that experience, Kareem said with a smith, “That was cool.”

She hopes the magazine inspires.

“Kindness goes a long way, so as you flip through and read people’s stories, I hope that people show more kindness toward people because everybody is going through a journey good, bad ugly. Sometimes they are this close to their breaking point,” She explained.

Right now, the magazine issues are digital and they are free—for now.

Kareem said they plan on starting a subscription in the next few months.

She said hard-copies will be available soon.