In the mix: Self-love journey with the Queen’s Talk series

Group facilitators Black Venus, Samantha Casseus, Khadijah Lynch and Johaida Jean Francois.

Self-love journey with the Queen’s Talk series

For many young women navigating through life, sometimes it can be difficult to gain self-acceptance due to past experiences or insecurities. Whenever you catch yourself feeling down, it’s always a good idea to surround yourself with other women who remind you of the power within. On Jan. 11, author and poet Samantha Casseus appeared at the Queen’s Talk series at CityPOP Egelston in Jamaica Plain, which provides a safe space for women to meet one another and figure out how best to nurture positive relationships.

The three hour event was hosted by CityPOP Egleston, who provided the space. The Queen’s Talk program relies on participant donations to cover food and other expenses. Casseus says, “Through this work, I hope to build stronger communities in which our women are much more connected. I believe that all the change we want to see starts from within. When we’re able to take an introspective look at ourselves and work on what is necessary to foster strong relationships with one another, we have the power to do lots of amazing things together.”

The evening was led by co-facilitators Black Venus, Johaida Jean Francois and Khadijah Lynch, who guided attendees through meditation periods, affirmation sessions and discussions about everyday situations and experiences. Although attendees were strangers, they allowed themselves to be vulnerable to one another and share dreams and traumatic experiences.

Casseus says, “Women are natural healers and nurturers, so it is very important that we water the relationships that we have with other women. My life experiences have enabled me to better appreciate my power as a woman and to see the power in other women, so it is my belief that we can be much stronger together.

One woman who attended the session was a licensed clinical social worker and therapist. Requina Barnes is collaborating with Casseus to offer a series of group therapy sessions called “Starting With #1 (You)”. These sessions will be held over a five-week period starting in February. It will provide an opportunity for women to put themselves first by establishing priorities and gaining more self-understanding.

Casseus also is the author of “Intrepid,” a book about her journey as a black woman. The word “intrepid” means fearless. The book is collection of poems, reflections, journal entries and haikus that provide a glimpse of her experiences with family, relationships, love, friendships, community and society.

For more information on the Queen’s Talks series, Starting With #1 (You), or “Intrepid,” email samcasseus@gmail.com.

Meet Stephanie Millions — our new In the Mix reporter. Millions is passionate about media and works on many platforms. She anchors a morning motivational talk show called “Elevation with Stephanie Millions” on the Gag Order Network, and also hosts “The Secret Spot” every Monday night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on WERS 88.9 FM. For more information, please visit www.stephaniemillions.com or email stephanie.millions@gmail.com to have her cover your event. Follow Stephanie on Twitter @StephMillions.