Here we go!

Get-It-Together September

September always feels like a good time to get-it-together. The energy of summer is winding down, and I find myself looking around at all the little projects waiting to be finished—like putting honey into jars, processing herbs, or finally clearing out those spaces that have been calling for attention. It’s not about perfection, but about giving myself the gift of completion and order.

This month, I’m leaning into that feeling of tying up loose ends and making space for what’s next. Every jar filled, every corner cleaned, every task checked off feels like a small celebration. Maybe you’re in that same place too—ready to wrap up what’s been lingering so you can step into the next season with a lighter load and a clearer mind. Here’s to a September of getting-it-together, one step at a time.

Wishing you a September full of clarity, calm, and checked-off lists.

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-Hollee

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Muddy Ballerinas Presents—

Where is Sparkle?

Now Available for Preorder!

Danielle and her friends are back at it again! This time they’re on the hunt for Sparkle—but where could she be? With curiosity, teamwork, and a little imagination, the Muddy Ballerinas set off on an adventure to find their missing friend. Along the way, they discover the power of friendship, determination, and never giving up when someone you love needs you.

This heartwarming story is filled with laughter, surprises, and lessons about sticking together. Readers young and old will enjoy joining Danielle and her crew as they search high and low for Sparkle, proving that true friends will always go the distance.

So Good, Soul Good Quarter 3 Highlights

Community, Learning & Impact

July 2025

This quarter started with a full heart and steady rhythm — balancing leadership, learning, and life in ways that remind me why I do this work.

At Virginia Union University, things are going strong in my new role as Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences. It’s rewarding to support students and faculty while watching ideas grow into action. This month, I had the joy of seeing two of our VUU students in the Natural Sciences Department present their research at the VCU Research Symposium. A proud moment that showed what dedication and mentorship can bring to life.

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Another highlight of the month was the culmination of the Virginia State University (VSU) Trojan Beekeeping Ambassador Program, where students closed out six months of learning with a powerful three-day apiary tour. From Dandelion Springs in Chesterfield to Halchin Hives in North Carolina, Bowyer’s Bees in Bedford, Siller Pollinator Company in Charlottesville, Sourwood Farm in Earlysville, and Sankofa Community Orchard in Richmond — every stop was full of lessons in sustainability, agribusiness, pollinator health, and cultural history. It was incredible to see students connect their classroom knowledge to real-world beekeeping and walk away with new confidence and vision. Deep thanks to Nicole Swinson, Dr. Woods, and the Virginia Cooperative Extension for making this journey possible.

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As you well know, it’s important to give yourself time to rest, reflect and engage in things that you enjoy. To this end, my daughter Danielle and I decided to codify our own 2 person art class in the dining room.…brushes, paint, and laughter filling the evening. Those are the moments that ground me and remind me how good it feels to create, simply for the joy of it.

Balance isn’t perfect, but it is possible. July was proof!

August 2025

After a July full of movement and reflection, August was about maintaining that sense of balance while stepping into a new season of work and community.

The official first day of the fall semester at Virginia Union University set the tone: energy, anticipation, and connection. Students and faculty came back ready, and it was a joy to witness the School of Arts & Sciences in full swing. I even had the chance to welcome Gospel artist Johnathan McReynolds to campus and walk him through our programs. A reminder of how wide-reaching and rewarding this role as Dean continues to be!

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In Henrico, I joined the East Richmond Beekeepers Association to talk about “The Hive is for Everyone.” We leaned into honest conversations about access, representation, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone across cultures, generations, and backgrounds feels like they belong.

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This month also meant bottling honey — long days, sticky hands, and the satisfaction of making sure honey gets into the hands of the people it’s meant for. A tangible reminder of the bees’ gifts and our responsibility to steward them well.

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Balance showed up in smaller ways too: taking part in a 2½-day VUU retreat, visiting the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm, and being surprised with a bright farm bouquet from Danielle. These moments filled my spirit as much as the work did.

So as we welcome fall, it’s “game on” in the BEST way! Keeping the balance while pressing forward, with gratitude for the chance to do this work and the joy that comes along with it.

September 2025

We kicked off the month at the Black Literature Festival, where I had the joy of connecting with readers, authors, and families. I shared copies of City Bees, Beekeeping Besties, Muddy Ballerinas, The Bee Happy Nature Journal, and celebrated the upcoming release of Where is Sparkle? — now available for preorder! The room was alive with storytelling, connection, and the power of Black voices in literature.

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Just last week, we gathered at the Fairfield Area Library for The Secret Life of Bees (and Why You Should Care). The questions, curiosity, and conversations made it such a meaningful evening. Together, we explored the vital role bees play in our food, flowers, and future. This was a great opportunity to remind ourselves that supporting pollinators begins with education and awareness.

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To wrap up this month, I’m preparing for the upcoming Jack and Jill Richmond Chapter visit for an Apiary Adventure and workshop about bats. Spending the day with their families is always a sweet treat, and this is your reminder that these experiences are for everyone! Students, groups, organizations, and friends who want to learn something new together. Spring sign-ups for Apiary Adventures are now open, and we’d love to welcome your group into the hive 🐝

Black Literature Festival hosted by James Harris of Men To Heal

So Good, Soul Good Stories

Sometimes the clearest reminder of why we do this work comes straight from the community itself.

After our recent Hive is for Everyone session with the East Richmond Beekeepers Association, James Swisher of Creative Recovery Virginia shared how the evening not only inspired his peers in recovery but unexpectedly gave him a new passion of his own. From facing social anxiety to finding belonging in a room full of strangers, he described how the connection, cultural history, and healing lessons of bees opened a new door for him.

His reflection reminds us that this work is bigger than beekeeping. It’s about creating spaces where people feel welcome, inspired, and grounded—whether they come for science, culture, or simply a sense of connection.

This is why we keep going. The hive truly is for everyone, and it’s moments like these that show the power of bringing community, education, and healing together.

Get Involved

Whether you’re passionate about pollinators, inspired by youth education, or simply looking to connect with community in meaningful ways—we’d love to have you with us.

Here’s how you can be part of the movement:

• Take a course like Honeybees & Me to learn about the power of bees, culture, and sustainability

• Sign up for my Honeybees & Me class this winter to prepare for spring (registration will open soon)

• Join our upcoming camping trip

• Join us at an upcoming event—from honey tastings to hikes, workshops, and more

• Support our work by making a donation that helps us keep our programs accessible and impactful for students and organizations

• Stay connected by subscribing to our newsletter AND

• Share this update with your friends, family, and networks

Together, we grow.

Come BEE apart of our So Good, Soul Good community! 💛

www.holleefreeman.com

Follow the Hollee Freeman Foundation on our social media platforms for more content!

City Bees takes readers on an exciting journey through historical and cultural landmarks in Richmond while learning all about honeybees. From the vibrant streets of Jackson Ward to the peaceful beauty of Maymont, every stop offers a chance to explore Richmond’s history and discover the amazing world of bees.

It connects the science of beekeeping with Richmond’s history, making it a fun and educational read for kids and families. You’ll learn how bees help the environment, their role in cities, and the big impact they have on our world.

Get your copy today and join the adventure—there’s so much to explore in Richmond! 🐝✨

Danielle and her friends are back at it again! This time they’re on the hunt for Sparkle—but where could she be? With curiosity, teamwork, and a little imagination, the Muddy Ballerinas set off on an adventure to find their missing friend. Along the way, they discover the power of friendship, determination, and never giving up when someone you love needs you.

This heartwarming story is filled with laughter, surprises, and lessons about sticking together. Readers young and old will enjoy joining Danielle and her crew as they search high and low for Sparkle, proving that true friends will always go the distance.

Creating Your Own Sanctuary

In my CreativeMornings RVA talk, I shared the many ways I create sanctuary in my life—spaces where I feel grounded, inspired, and at peace.

Whether through storytelling, beekeeping, or nurturing connections, I’ve discovered how personal sanctuaries can help us navigate the world with intention and joy.

Take a moment to explore these ideas and see how they might inspire your own sanctuary. Watch the video of my talk to learn more and reflect on what sanctuary means to you!

2025 YWCA Outstanding Women Award

In May, Dr. Hollee Freeman was honored with the 2025 YWCA Outstanding Women Award in Education — a recognition that lifts up her lifelong commitment to creating joyful, inclusive spaces for learning and community care.

If you missed it, you can catch her heartfelt acceptance speech and hear her original Oriki poem, written and shared for this moment.

Take a listen and celebrate this milestone with us, link below.