Featured in the Great Trails State NC Newsletter: Culture Queens in the Spotlight

We are honored to share that Culture Queens was featured this week in the Great Trails State NC newsletter, celebrating our recent recognition in Smithsonian Folklife Magazine.

As a community rooted in storytelling, sisterhood, and outdoor exploration, this moment means so much to us. To be highlighted by the very coalition that’s building a more connected and inclusive North Carolina trail system is a reminder: our presence is powerful, and our stories matter.

In the Smithsonian feature, we reflected on the power of representation in nature—and how reclaiming space on the trail is also about reclaiming self.

“The outdoors becomes a canvas for healing when we show up as our full selves.”
— Jennifer Michelle

The Great Trails State NC initiative is about making sure every North Carolinian has access to the joy and freedom of being outside. To have Culture Queens included in that vision affirms everything we’ve been building—from scenic hikes and cultural tours to healing-centered events across the Carolinas.

If you’re inspired by this recognition or want to help make sure Black and Brown women continue to be seen, celebrated, and supported in outdoor spaces—we invite you to walk alongside us.

P.S.
We’d love for you to be part of this celebration with us.
👉 Read the full article in the Smithsonian Folklife Magazine:
https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/culture-queens-north-carolina

📲 Show us some love on social media — like, comment and share @smithsonianfolklife, tag us @culturequeensoutdoors and use #CultureQueens so we can share the joy and keep building this beautiful community together.

Founder, Jennifer Michelle, poses at Soco Falls on Great Trails State Day. Photo by Christian Callozo