Hello Samantha,
I recently had the privilege of participating in a BIPOC-focused Doula Training Course facilitated by the inspiring Laconia Fennell, RN & Holistic Doula, and Tanita Council, Full-Spectrum Doula, through Springfield Family Doulas. This transformative program was thoughtfully designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and compassion necessary to provide unwavering support to birthing individuals and their families. Read More
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Spirit of Thanksgiving: Gratitude
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity."
– Melody Beattie
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Calling 2025 Blog Writers | |
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As part of A Queen’s Narrative's mission to uplift the stories and perspectives of diverse women, we are thrilled to invite new and aspiring writers or authors to contribute to our monthly blog in 2025.
This creative writing initiative, proudly funded by the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, is an exciting opportunity to share your unique voice through seasonal or annual themes.
Submissions are free, and selected authors will receive:
- Compensation for their published work
- Editorial support to refine their stories
- Recognition in our newsletter and on social media
Let us know if you interested today by completing our application. For additional information, feel free to contact us at A Queen’s Narrative. Join us in amplifying diverse voices—your story matters!
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Royal Wellness: Prioritizing Self-Care During the Holidays
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The holiday season is a time of connection, reflection, and celebration—but it can also bring a mix of emotions. For many, it’s a season filled with joy, traditions, and quality time with loved ones. For others, it may be a reminder of challenges, losses, or difficult family dynamics.
At A Queen’s Narrative, we understand the beauty and complexity of the holidays. This year, we’ve celebrated milestones as a community and also navigated moments of grief and change. Some of us are looking forward to the laughter of family gatherings, while others may be facing quieter holidays, filled with memories of loved ones we’ve lost.
Here are a few ways we’re encouraging ourselves—and our Queens community—to embrace wellness and self-care this holiday season:
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Practice Being Present: Let’s commit to slowing down and soaking in the beauty of the moment. Whether you’re surrounded by loved ones or enjoying a peaceful solo evening, there’s value in being fully present.
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Set Boundaries: The holidays can come with expectations. It’s okay to say no or step away when you need to. Protect your peace and prioritize what feels right for you.
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Create Moments for You: At A Queen’s Narrative, we’ve learned that small acts of self-love—like lighting a candle, journaling, or walking in nature—can be grounding. These moments remind us of our strength and worth.
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Extend Grace and Kindness: As we gather, let’s remember that everyone’s journey is different. Some are celebrating their best year yet, while others may be carrying unseen burdens. A smile, a kind word, or even just listening can make all the difference.
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Reflect and Honor the Journey: Together, we’ve shared stories of triumph and resilience this year. Use this time to reflect on your own growth, honor your story, and dream about what’s next.
The holidays may look different for each of us, but as a community of Queens, we can inspire one another to embrace the season with compassion, mindfulness, and gratitude. Let’s celebrate where we are, honor how far we’ve come, and remember to nurture ourselves and each other.
From all of us at A Queen’s Narrative: Be present. Be kind. And most importantly, take care of your heart, mind, and spirit this holiday season.
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Springfield Cultural Council Pitch Night | |
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Queen’s Aumani, Jazmine, and Samantha proudly represented the AQN mission at the Springfield Cultural Council’s Pitch Night, hosted at the UMASS Springfield Center in Tower Square. This event provided a valuable platform to present our project directly to members of the Springfield Cultural Council, while also opening doors to impactful conversations with local community changemakers.
We were inspired by the incredible initiatives shared by other community leaders and welcomed the opportunity to exchange ideas, share our vision, and explore future collaborations that could amplify our collective impact.
In previous years, the Springfield Cultural Council's support played a pivotal role in the success of our inaugural anthology project, Heavy is the Crown, a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and community empowerment. This year, we aim to continue building on that legacy, bridging gaps, and creating spaces where voices can rise, stories can thrive, and change can take root.
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Follow My Steps Foundations hosted: Cultural Steps: Taste. Learn. Prosper.
Queen Jazmine and her family proudly attended Cultural Steps: Taste. Learn. Prosper., facilitated by the Follow My Steps Foundation. This incredible event provided high school students with essential financial literacy skills while celebrating the beauty of cultural diversity.
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Dawn Creighton from Liberty Bank led the impactful Credit for Life exercise, teaching students valuable lessons on budgeting, credit, and responsible money management. Dawn’s expertise and Liberty Bank’s unwavering support left a lasting impact, equipping students with the tools needed for a successful financial future.
The day continued with a delightful culinary journey! Students sampled dishes from local gems such as Soulao’d Kitchen, Motu, and Nadim’s, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage and community unity. Together, we celebrated education, empowerment, and diversity, inspiring students to embrace the future with confidence and pride.
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LOCAL MONTHLY EVENTS
- MALADO x WHITE LION / Tribute to Jodeci & Dru Hill
- Saturday, December 7th 8p-11p
- White Lion Brewing Company 1500 Main Street Springfield, MA 01103
- Tickets
- United Way of Pioneer Valley 2024 Onboarding Event
- Thursday, December 12th 5p-7p
- Tower Square Atrium (Indoor Entrance of White Lion Brewing) 1500 Main Street Springfield, MA 01103
- Tickets
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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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