How DNA Results Inspired This Afro-Caribbean Travel Blogger's Journal For The Diaspora
Chanice Williams, an Afro-Caribbean travel blogger (@flywithqueenie) based in New York City, embarked on a life-changing journey after taking a DNA test in 2018. Determined to explore the African countries that were revealed in her genetic makeup, she set out on a mission to connect with her roots and inspire others in the diaspora to do the same. Today, Chanice has visited 10 African countries, with plans to explore two to three more countries by the end of the year.
For Chanice, traveling through Africa evokes a range of emotions that are difficult to put into words. The joy of being in the motherland, alongside feelings of anger, sadness, and pride, creates a unique and profound experience. "Throughout my travels across Africa, I felt that something was missing." As a strong advocate for wellness, she believes in the power of meditation, journaling, and taking time to reset. It was during months of reflection that she realized there was a gap in the market – a lack of travel journals specifically designed for the African diaspora.
Courtesy of Chanice Williams
"I took it upon myself to create a travel journal that catered to the unique needs of African diaspora travelers. This journal includes diaspora affirmations, checklists, budgeting sheets, and much more. It provides a dedicated space for travelers to jot down their thoughts and emotions as they navigate the continent, ensuring a holistic and transformative experience...this is something I wish I had when I started traveling to the continent."
With her wealth of experience traveling through Africa, Chanice has three valuable pieces of advice for those who are considering embarking on their own African adventure:
1. Join a group trip organized by a reputable travel brand like Urban Flight Collective.
These curated trips handle all the logistics, from transportation to accommodations, allowing travelers to focus on the experience rather than the details. This can help alleviate stress and ensure a smooth journey.
2. Doing thorough research is key.
Familiarize yourself with the political climate, weather conditions, pricing, and language barriers of your desired destinations. By being well-prepared, you can embark on your adventure with confidence and peace of mind.
3. Acquire a Roaming Reflections travel journal.
This invaluable tool allows individuals to quiet their thoughts and provides a dedicated space to document their emotions and experiences as they explore the continent. It not only serves as a personal memento but also fosters a deeper connection to African culture and heritage.
Courtesy of Chanice Williams
"It is crucial for the African diaspora to prioritize Africa as a travel destination, and by supporting local businesses and communities, travelers can connect with their roots and gain a firsthand understanding of the continent's rich history and culture." Chanice firmly believes that learning about Africa through textbooks written by Europeans is insufficient when compared to the transformative power of experiencing it firsthand.
Chanice's platform, Fly With Queenie, is dedicated to empowering the African diaspora to explore Africa, fostering a sense of connection and pride. Through her inspiring journey, she has proven that travel has the power to transform lives and bridge the gap between continents and cultures.
With her unwavering passion and dedication, Chanice Williams continues to inspire others to embark on their own African adventures and discover the beauty of the motherland.
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Featured image courtesy of Chanice Williams
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Exclusive: Koryn Hawthorne On Her Miraculous Love Story: ‘I Was Never A Girlfriend’
Gospel singer Koryn Hawthorne has used her voice to let the world know about what God can do, and now the Season 8 finalist of NBC’s The Voice is sharing a miraculous act that led to her engagement.
The Praise This actress shared in an interview with xoNecole that prior to becoming engaged to her partner, Hunter Register, she passed over one particular title on her way to becoming a fiancée.
“I was never a girlfriend,” Hawthorn, 26, tells xoNecole.
“We've known each other since we were kids, so we just kind of always had this distant friendship. We would hit each other up on social media, and [I] slide up under things that he was posting,” she says. “We ended up hanging out together, and when we hung out, it was an instant immediate connection from all fronts. I think we just knew from the first day that I don't want to spend a day apart from you.”
Koryn Hawthorne On Her Miraculous Love Story, New Album, & More
She continued, "And yeah, we probably were boyfriend or girlfriend after — am I delusional? Then we were engaged a few months later.”
The Grammy-nominated singer, who became engaged in November of 2023, went on to share what her experience has been preparing to become a wife, exploring the personal growth, challenges, and emotions experienced throughout the process.
“It's a journey, I'm not gonna lie,” she says. “Relationships, in general, are hard, and whenever you think about marriage, is just different from being boyfriend and girlfriend because if you piss me off, I could just go,” she shared. “But marriage is an actual commitment. It's a partnership. It's a ministry.”
Hawthorne, 26, and Register, 27, were childhood friends growing up in Louisiana and sealed their love during a weekend getaway in New Orleans last fall.
For the gospel star, marriage involves more than lovely-dovey aspects, emphasizing how her relationship has allowed her to grow, mature, and learn valuable lessons through love.
“We were supposed to get married in May, but like for us to be mature enough to be like, ‘You know what? No, let's take the necessary time to make sure that we're fully prepared for this commitment such a beautiful thing,” Hawthorne reflected.
“It's a learning curve for sure, but our preparation for marriage would have been the only thing that brought this out of me. It's hard and it's scary at times, but it's God's purpose and His plan for our lives.”
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Featured image by Dia DipasupilGetty Images