A Queen's Narrative

Spoken Truth Podcast Watch Party

Over the course of four sessions this past December, A Queen’s Narrative facilitated a powerful youth-centered program as part of our Birth of an Artist series. In collaboration with Give Music, a cohort of young women moved through the full creative process—planning, developing, and ultimately executing what would become The Spoken Truth Podcast.

This was not a simulated experience or a hypothetical exercise. These young artists shaped the vision, selected themes, learned the fundamentals of podcasting and storytelling, and stepped confidently behind the mic to share honest conversations rooted in their lived experiences. From concept to completion, they led with curiosity, courage, and care for one another’s voices.

We invite our community to join us for a Spoken Truth Podcast Watch Party

“We are not just passing through this world; we are shaping it for those who come after us.”

Inspired by — Shirley Chisholm

A Queen’s Narrative Annual Board Retreat

A Queen’s Narrative recently gathered for our annual board retreat, and it was exactly what it needed to be: thoughtful, affirming, and forward-looking.

We spent time reflecting on an incredible year of growth, impact, and learning. We celebrated board members personal and professional wins, both big milestones and the quiet victories that don’t always make headlines but matter just as much. We also looked ahead, dreaming and planning for what’s next for AQN with clarity, courage, and care.

We were especially excited to welcome five new board members to the Queen’s family: Pricilla Rucks-Smith, Lanea Collins, Dr. MiChelle Toni McComb, Marshlynn Bolden, and Mpress Bennu Nembhard. Their energy, insight, and commitment strengthen our collective vision and remind us that this work is deeply collaborative.

Grateful for the wisdom in the room, the joy we shared, and the future we’re building together. Learn more about our board members HERE

Are You Following Us On YouTube Yet? 🎥

We have a wealth of information and will be adding even more! Tune in for details about upcoming events, testimonials, and to be the first to watch our podcast episodes launching in early 2026.

Blog Writers Wanted

A Queen’s Narrative is STILL accepting submissions from writers for our 2026 blog platform. We are inviting storytellers, thinkers, and cultural observers to share original essays, reflections, and narrative pieces rooted in lived experience.

Selected writers will receive payment and have their work featured on the AQN website, included in our monthly newsletter, and highlighted across our social media platforms.

If you have a story to tell, or know someone who does, we invite you to submit and help us continue building a space where women’s voices are seen, valued, and amplified.

ROYAL WELLNESS

Beyond Resolutions: The Power of Small, Steady Steps

Although January is already behind us, it’s not too late to make meaningful changes. The truth is, resolutions often behave like Band-Aids—applied quickly, meant to fix everything at once, and rarely built to last. We tell ourselves that a new month or year will magically deliver motivation to overhaul our health, relationships, finances, or entire lives overnight. It sounds hopeful, but real change rarely works that way.

Lasting growth isn’t sparked by dramatic promises made once a year. It’s shaped through small, steady actions repeated over time. Tiny shifts add up. Habits, not hype, create momentum. When we focus less on sweeping reinvention and more on what we can do today—and again tomorrow—we create progress that actually sticks.

Here are five ways to take January on full steam ahead by focusing on consistency over dramatic change:

Shrink the goal. Make your goal so small it feels almost too easy. Small wins build confidence and keep you moving.
Anchor habits to what you already do. Pair a new action with an existing routine, after coffee, before bed, during lunch breaks.
Track effort, not perfection. Measure how often you show up, not how flawlessly you perform. Consistency beats intensity.
Design for real life. Choose actions that fit your actual schedule, energy, and season, not an idealized version of yourself.
Commit to repetition, not results. Focus on doing the action regularly; the outcomes will follow in their own time.

This year, think less about reinventing yourself and more about showing up, just a little, again and again. That’s where transformation quietly lives.

QUEENS AROUND TOWN

Community Moments: Tabling at MLK Day Celebration

Queens Dr. Michelle and Samantha represented AQN at the MLK Day Celebration, sharing smiles, conversation, and connection with community members throughout the event. It was an energizing day of reflection, creativity, and collective purpose, grounded in honoring Dr. King’s legacy while continuing the work of justice, storytelling, and youth-centered engagement in our community.

In addition to tabling at the MLK Day event, our own Samantha had the opportunity to speak with Western Mass News ABC 40 about the importance of showing up at community events to share meaningful resources and information with families and youth. Check out the interview here.

Sounds of the Season

Check out our Queen Taitiana, pictured here with Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno at the 215th Army Band of the Massachusetts Army National Guard Holiday Concert.

Springfield Symphony Hall came alive with the sounds of the season and a spirit of patriotism. The band delivered festive cheer, lifted hearts, and had the audience singing along during this free holiday concert that brought the community together.

Forever Queens: An Evening of Reconnection

Executive Board members - Candice, Aumani, and Samantha - recently enjoyed a lovely dinner reconnecting with former, and forever, Queen Jazmine at B Napoli. The gathering offered a meaningful opportunity to catch up, share laughter, and reflect on shared experiences and milestones.

The evening served as a joyful reminder that the bonds formed within our organization extend far beyond any single title, continuing to shape and strengthen our community.

LOCAL MONTHLY EVENTS

Fatherhood Manologues

My People Community Services & The Manhood Tree proudly present an afternoon of powerful storytelling, performance, and reflection.

📍 Mark Twain House

351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT

🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026

Featuring dynamic artists including:

Mind Evolution, Brenda’s Child, Lynnette Johnson, Crystal Senter-Brown, Nzima Hutchings, Denisse Luciano, Tianna Glass-Tripp, Savanda Latrece, Destiny Mateo, and more.

This experience centers voice, truth, and the many dimensions of fatherhood.

Olympic STEAM Quest

A Queen’s Narrative is honored to participate in the Olympic S.T.E.A.M Quest at the Springfield Museums on Monday, February 16, 2026, in partnership with Olive Tree Books.

This long-running community event brings together local authors and young readers during school winter break for a day centered on literacy, creativity, and connection. As featured authors, A Queen’s Narrative will be showcasing Through Our Lens, our youth-created photobook that highlights the perspectives, stories, and artistry of our young photographers.

Artistic Pathways to Heal

Creative Healing Solutions offers customizable workshops that use art, storytelling, and community connection to support healing, empowerment, and social-emotional growth.

Led by founder Lanea Collins, these workshops center creativity as a powerful tool for wellness, nonviolence, and self-expression.

🌀 Workshops include:

• Kingian Nonviolence

• Inside/Out (Social & Emotional Learning through art)

• My Heart Is Art (8-week certified series for young women & teens)

• H.U.S.H Chronicles (Story healing circles)

✨ Art is the relationship between creativity and healing.

📩 For inquiries or bookings: infocreativehealing@gmail.com

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