From the Trail to the Page: Our Story in the Smithsonian

Earth Day 2025 was more than a celebration — it was a moment of legacy.

This year, Culture Queens was featured in the Smithsonian Folklife Magazine, a national recognition of the work we’ve poured into creating sacred, healing, and joy-filled spaces for Black women — through culture, sisterhood, and nature.

Crafting our story with the Smithsonian wasn’t just about being seen. It was about being understood.
Over the course of a year, we walked through mentoring sessions, editorial meetings, two deadline extensions, and the unwavering belief of a team that said, “This story matters.”

And now, here we are — published.

This article is more than words. It’s the breath of every Queen who has ever hiked beside us, healed with us, prayed with us, and built something beautiful out of silence.
We’re proud. We’re grateful. We’re rooted.

And today, we’re in the Smithsonian.

Cover image for Smithsonian Folklife Magazine. Founder Jennifer Michelle poses at Grogan Creek Falls.

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