Navigating Changing Tides

As we release this November/December 2024 issue of Legacy, we find ourselves in so many shifting currents—professionally, culturally, and globally. This issue’s theme, “Navigating Changing Tides,” feels particularly relevant to me as we prepare for the approaching U.S. presidential election, where several core elements of democracy, including freedom of expression and resistance to fascism, are imperiled. Whether we look toward the potential of future hope or reflect on how we have navigated contested topics, this issue affirms the resilience and determination of interpreters.

I am thrilled to share that many of our contributors are first-time authors, bringing new perspectives to our field. Their articles often emerge from collaborations across disciplines and confront complex challenges. These pieces resonate with the advice of NAI President Parker McMullen Bushman, who encourages us all to “Stay Strong in the Face of Resistance.” Our authors encounter resistance in interpretive settings, classrooms, workplaces, and programs—and they persevere. They remind us that persistence is not just about enduring but about finding new ways to thrive.

This issue also marks the beginning of Legacy's second year of all-digital issues. As editors, we navigate these digital tides of change by continuing to refine our processes, learn from you, and adapt to our readers' evolving needs. We are grateful for your feedback (keep it coming!) and excited for the future of this publication.

I encourage you to explore this issue and reflect on how you are navigating your own changing tides, both personally and professionally. And don’t forget—this issue’s theme will carry forward into the NAI 2024 National Conference. I hope you’ll join us, whether on-site or virtually, as we continue these vital conversations. Looking ahead, I’m also excited for our January/February 2025 issue, “Interpreting in Color,” guest-edited by Erica Veal and featuring authors of color. It’s an exciting time for our field, and I am grateful to be part of this journey with you.