On March 13, 2020, the United States government declared a national state of emergency. A new virus, COVID, first detected in 2019, was now beginning to spread among American communities. The spring of 2020 was a moment of tragedy. Our lives became marked with uncertainty.

Despite the catastrophe unfolding around us, many heralded the spring of 2020 as an impetus for reform. Characterized by deeply felt solidarity, mutual aid proliferated, social safety nets expanded, and conversations about injustice and oppression intensified.

Five years later, we ask you to reflect.

What was your experience of the COVID pandemic? What artifacts or objects remain?

Contribute your reflections to the “COVID Artifact Zine.” This zine seeks to earnestly explore the impact of the pandemic. Please see the attached examples.

There are two ways to contribute–

1) Stop by our in-person events with (or without) an artifact to be photographed on...

• April 10th from 2pm-4pm at the Main Library's Orange Room
• April 17th from 2pm-4pm at Grainger Library's Entrance
• April 22nd from 4pm-6pm outside of the Main Library’s East entrance

2) Email a 8.5"x11" PDF copy of your reflections to hconner2@illinois.edu

Thank you for your participation!