Hello Samantha,
Our baby is turning six. Six years ago, we gathered a group of talented and amazing women to bring the vision of A Queen’s Narrative to life. It has been an incredible journey to develop something so unique and inspiring—it’s almost hard to believe how far we’ve come. These past six years have been a labor of love, filled with gratitude, challenges, and countless lessons. Read More.
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New Year reflection
"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’" – Martin Luther King Jr.
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Launching our next anthology "Letter to My Younger Self"
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A Queen’s Narrative is excited to announce our upcoming anthology project, "Letter to My Younger Self." This inspiring initiative invites 30-45 talented writers—aspiring, emerging, and professional—to embark on a reflective and creative journey. Each contributor will craft a unique story, sharing life lessons, offering words of wisdom to their younger selves, and celebrating personal growth.
Selected authors will also provide a brief biography and headshot to be featured in the anthology. This is a paid opportunity, generously funded by the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts. Spots are limited, so don’t wait—enrollment closes in January 2025 or when capacity is reached. Register today!
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Royal Wellness: Embracing the New Year with Reflection and Renewal
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As we prepare to step into a new year, A Queen’s Narrative invites you to pause, reflect, and set your intentions for the journey ahead. The new year symbolizes a fresh start, a chance to leave behind what no longer serves us and embrace the possibilities of tomorrow.
Take time to reflect on the lessons of the past year—celebrate your growth, acknowledge your challenges, and let go of any burdens or negativity that weigh you down. Just as nature sheds its leaves in winter to prepare for spring, we too can shed what no longer aligns with our purpose.
Here are some gentle prompts to guide your reflection:
- What moments from this year are you most grateful for?
- What challenges taught you the most about yourself?
- What are you ready to release as you step into the new year?
And as you look forward:
- What goals or dreams excite you for the year ahead?
- How can you prioritize your well-being and self-care?
- What small, intentional steps can you take toward creating the life you desire?
Remember, the start of a new year is not about perfection—it’s about progress, hope, and the courage to dream anew. Let 2025 be a year of growth, joy, and wellness for all of us. Cheers to new beginnings!
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Malado’s Jodeci vs Dru Hill Tribute Concert
Our Queens, Samantha and Jazmine, had an incredible time at Malado’s Jodeci vs. Dru Hill Tribute Concert at White Lion. The band absolutely brought the house down—amazing job! We’re all about supporting more events like this in our community. Special thanks to Gary Smith, Rue Love Williams, and Rome Clayton for taking a moment to pose for a quick photo with the Queens after the show!
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2024 Kwanzaa Collective Celebration | |
A huge shoutout to Ayanna Crawford and the Kwanza Collective Team for organizing an incredible intergenerational community event celebrating Black culture and unity this month. Our Queens, Aumani and Samantha, had the opportunity to engage in a soul-soothing sound healing exercise, explore the African American marketplace, and experience the powerful candle-lighting ceremony for the third day of Kwanzaa, “Ujima,” which symbolizes Collective Work and Responsibility. | |
Live Well Springfield:
Cheers to Five Years!
This month, our Queen Jazmine had the honor of attending the Live Well Springfield Climate Change Health and Equity Committee's "Cheers to Five Years!" celebration at Dewey’s Lounge.
The event, led by our very own Queen Samantha—Director of Coalition Building and Community Engagement for the organization—highlighted five years of transformative community change spearheaded by the coalition. It also celebrated the incredible contributions of residents and community partners, whose efforts have been pivotal in driving this impact.
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2nd Annual
Stepping into 2025 Banquet: Celebrating Growth & Impact
Queens Aumani and Jazmine proudly represented AQN at the "Stepping into 2025" Banquet hosted by Follow My Steps. This inspiring evening celebrated mentorship, empowerment, and the importance of guiding the next generation toward success.
The banquet highlighted incredible achievements and honored the visionaries paving the way for positive change. Aumani and Jazmine joined other changemakers to reflect on the importance of leadership and mentorship in shaping a brighter future. Their presence showcased our commitment to uplifting and empowering others.
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Puerto Rico Paradise
This holiday season, Queen Jazmine embraced the spirit of family and relaxation with a well-deserved vacation to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Surrounded by loved ones, she enjoyed the vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and festive traditions of the island.
Her trip was a perfect reminder of the importance of cherishing moments with family and creating memories that last a lifetime. We’re so happy Jazmine took time to recharge and celebrate the holidays in such a special way!
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Queening in Cuba
Check out our Queens Nzima and Gri Queening in Cuba! This unforgettable trip was a writing retreat overflowing with cultural richness, sisterhood, and creativity.
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Nzima had the incredible honor of serving as the Literary Arts Workshop Leader, where she guided inspiring women through transformative writing activities. She also had the privilege of publishing and editing a special edition of my Literary Art Wellness Retreat Magazine, featuring the voices of women from the retreat and talented Cuban artists she had met at last year's retreat. This once-in-a-lifetime experience was curated by When Women Speak, an international poetry organization led by the phenomenal Ameerah Shabazz-Bilal from New Jersey and Nzima was also honored with a Literary Award during the event! Out of over 200 active members, only 10 women were selected to attend—what a blessing! | |
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Cuba’s cultural vibrancy is unparalleled. The art, music, and resilience of the people left the group in awe. Nzima performed poetry in a breathtaking art gallery and studio, where creativity filled every corner. The group explored Cuban traditions, religions, about the revolution and history, witnessing the enduring spirit of a nation thriving amid challenges.
Gri says "I can't wait to go back and visit the many friends I made there, Papita, Rene, Teresita, Mary. ..the list goes on. Felicidades mi gente querida de Cuba."
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LOCAL MONTHLY EVENTS
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5th Annual New Year, Better Us, Friday January 17th from 6:30-10PM
- Springfield Elks Lodge #61, 440 Tiffany Street Springfield, MA 01108
- Learn More Here
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Rest, Invest in Wellness, Saturday, February 1st from 10AM- 3 PM, in Springfield, MA
- Learn More Here
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DONATIONS
Please help us continue to uplift the voices of women and girls by participating in our fundraising drive by giving $10, $15, $20, or more today. We are forever grateful. Thank you!
DONATE HERE
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