Against the Stream (ATS) Magazine is an urban platform that aimed to enrich, uplift and inspire our community by reflecting amazing people who are shaking things up. The company formally closed in August of 2016, but still offers its free content online. The editorial mission of ATS Mag was to edify our readers by finding noble, pure, and true talent and giving it a stage to flourish. ATS Mag also tackled urban issues by giving real world solutions.
The desire to create solutions inspired the founder, Markeyla "Siren" Carpenter, to strive to form social businesses that impacted the community. While she matriculated through her undergraduate studies at Howard University, Siren realized that there was a need for positive media in her community. Sick of the constant talk of guns, gangs, and gore, Siren started thinking of ways to combat the negative images of her city. ATS Mag was her response to images in the media, which she feels are diminishing the value of the greater Chicagoland community. To learn more about our founder and to see how she is impacting her city now visit www.sfbthesiren.com
"What people call 'Chiraq' also happens to be the birthplace of some of the most powerful political, creative, and innovative minds. I think that focusing on the negative is an ingenious way that mainstream media has confused the public about the searing history of one of the most extraordinary cities in this world." -Siren