Itook two fencing classes during my time at the University of Kansas, where I studied journalism. I loved fencing as a sport. The elegance of it. The strategic purpose of every lunge or riposte. Foil was my favorite. Fencing fit nicely with taking journalism classes. It enabled me to think strategically, which journalism taught me to do. Writing about how people connect with each other has trailed me since KU and dominated conversations with my news-and-genealogy-minded mom and my dear friend Sharon Egiebor, an award-winning journalist and family-tree scribe.

With that in mind, perhaps you can understand why I’m particularly excited about the stories filed for this Summer issue by contributors Hayden Green and Dr. Paulette Bethel. Each of their stories touches on two abiding interests of mine.

Hayden offers an overview of the recently released film, “Chevalier,” which tells the story of Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

The biography about this French knight who won praise as a composer, fencing champion and soldier is jaw-dropping enough. In fact, after seeing the film, I wished for more scenes with Chevalier’s fencing exploits.

Best of all, “Chevalier” also imagines the in-betweenness Chevalier experiences as the son of a French slave owner and an enslaved African woman. In history, there are many littleknown stories about the culturally and racially layered world of Europe. May this film encourage more of these stories to be told and celebrated.

Dr. Paulette’s story reminds me of the depths of the human experience around the globe. The earthshaking knowledge being gained by millions as they learn more about their parentage in the age of at-home DNA tests fills me with quiet. Stories about family lines and hidden, connected histories give me pause. Each life story carries an eternal weight of significance.

I salute Dr. Paulette Bethel and those who have shown empathy and thoughtful support for those walking through involuntary revisions of their personal identity and family history. Their stories must be heard and their hearts tended.

I particularly thank Jodi Girard for allowing us to mention her experience in Culturs. It is a privilege.

There’s much more to this Summer issue as you rewind on a beach, relax in an isolated cabin, or, if you enjoy a more urban mood, eat a meal in a swank Airbnb. For those in the southern hemisphere facing cooler seasons, maybe you’re snuggling before a fire with hot chocolate.

Wherever you are, whether it’s warm or chilly, get ready to read about the beauty of Brazil and its incredible arts, cuisine and nightlife, the importance of self-care and loving yourself, the experiences of a Third Culture Kid (TCK) that frame a futuristic novel set in Asia, and much more.

Judy Howard Ellis Editor-in-Chief