Headscarf Story Circles – Providing Connection & Unity Among Women

The Headscarf Story Circles is a series of offerings that recognize the strength and resiliency of women. Shortly after the pandemic, the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) began inviting women into a space centered around a shared connection of the headscarf and its complexity. I recall the room filled with women who were all cheerfully singing together “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.” Their voices bellowed out that old gospel song in a cultural harmony filled with determination and purpose. Although ethnicities, religions, skin colors, and socioeconomic backgrounds were diverse, during that moment, they were in spectacular beauty and unity. That is the power of being in a Headscarf Story Circle.

Over the past three years, our reach with Headscarf Story Circles has broadened across the metro area and into Greater Minnesota. Julia Freeman, Director of Community Engagement, Voices for Racial Justice, has been a supporter since I started Headscarf Society TeaLit over 25 years ago. In March of last year, she hosted a gathering at a senior citizens community in Columbia Heights. “Today’s event was just what the ladies needed on this stormy winter’s day,” she said. “It might have been cold outside, but hearts were filled with warmth as each one listened to the other share her own story of triumph from challenges that seemed too hard to bear.”

Hodan A. Omar, Executive Director of Hooyo Hour Organization in St. Cloud, hosted a Headscarf Story Circle last spring. The activity involved each participant writing down and then sharing what woman had made an impact on who they had become today. Tears of joy flowed and in some cases pain. All expressions rendered a moment for healing among each other. Many shared how they had never been invited to participate in such an intimate and authentic way.

The Rochester Women Magazine is the first to host a series comprised of three Headscarf Story Circles (December 2025, March 2026, June 2026). Tawonda Burks, Publisher and Owner of the magazine, speaks of the partnership with MHC as being timely and inspirational. “Our first focus was on “Women Balancing Entrepreneurship and their own Wellness.” To commemorate Women’s History Month our theme is “Sustaining Home, Health, and Joy.” One woman who is a cancer survivor spoke openly about why she chooses to wear a headscarf instead of a wig because the colors are so colorful and vibrant whereas the wigs available were not the texture of her own ethnic hair type.

Mariam Mohamed, a Somali Consultant and Business Advisor served as the MHC partner who co-designed an event last fall. The guests were encouraged to wear a headscarf or head dress symbolic of anything from a fashion statement, cultural identity, health related, or memories, and beliefs. Several medical doctors, non-profit executive directors, and elders were among the room full of participants. The popular Somali sambuusas and freshly made chai tea were served by Mariam. Darjeeling (the champagne of tea) was made and served personally by Etah Prakash, originally from India, with Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

A few occurrences have caused us to pause, reassess and pivot when necessary. Instead of always having the events on a Saturday, we now hold some of them on Sundays so that Jewish women are available to attend. This simple yet significant gesture is a testament to the spirit of inclusivity and compassion that defines the gathering. In a time when Muslim and Jewish communities are often in conflict, the Headscarf Story Circles have provided a space where all come together and be vulnerable. In a world where it can sometimes feel like we are more divided than ever, events like these remind us of our shared humanity.

Sharon Day, Executive Director of Indigenous People’s Task Force guided 33 women and girls on the sacred nibi (water) walk ritual which not only paid tribute to water but also offered each participant a chance to focus on her own inner peace, emotional healing, and a spirit of sisterhood connectedness. Despite the 90-degree temperature, everyone was thoroughly invigorated by the 7-minute walk from MHC over to Lake Phalen.

Once we arrived at the lake, a perfectly located Innova tree was waiting just for us. We then gathered in a circle underneath its heart-shaped leaves that offered cool breezes. We were so comfortable, none of us had a chance to even think about the heat. We watched in silence as Elder Sharon walked down to the lakeside, blessed the water, then filled her pail and returned to our circle. We listened to sacred songs, reflected on our desires, and from the Four Directions spoke out loud our prayers for healing and peace.

When we returned to MHC, the reflection prompt was to write a love letter to any body of water we felt a need to connect. Prose and poetic expressions were astonishing, including this example:

Dear Cedar Lake, you may think you’re the poor stepchild to
Bde Maka Ska, Harriet, and Isles, but I see you. I ski on
you in snowy winter, taught my dog to swim in you,
jump in the hole in the winter, walk and bike the paths
around you, paddleboard across you, and believe
the sunsets over you are the most beautiful in the world.
Stay healthy and lush, cool in the summer and strong with
ice in the winter. Thank you for being you. ♥ Wendy

If you are interested in attending our Women’s History Month Headscarf Story Circle gathering in Rochester, please register so we can be prepared to welcome you!