Blog Post Title Four
Two-Year Celebration Calendar (2025 – 2027)
Proposed and Future Events
Amplifying South Sudanese and Racialized Voices through Indie Publishing and Cultural Wellness
At Zeal Psychology and the South Sudanese Indie Authors Network Association (SSIANA), we believe storytelling is more than words — it is healing, empowerment, and cultural preservation.
Our proposed and upcoming events for 2025–2026 are designed to amplify South Sudanese and racialized voices, nurture creativity, and promote mental and emotional wellness through community-based arts and indie publishing.
📖 December 2025 – Voices of Resilience: Storytelling and Indie Publishing for Racialized Authors
An inspiring platform for writers, poets, and storytellers to share powerful narratives of survival, identity, and hope.
This event highlights independent publishing as a tool for social change and healing.
Program Features:
Breaking Silence through Storytelling
The Power of Self-Publishing for Change
Healing Narratives: Mental Health & Cultural Identity
Writing and Publishing Workshops
Author Showcase & Networking
👉 Call to Action: Join us in uplifting stories that deserve to be heard.
🤝 March 2026 – Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program
Theme: “Unity in Diversity: Voices Against Racism, Stories for Inclusion”
This event highlights the importance of inclusion, cultural understanding, and equity across communities. Through storytelling, dialogue, and creative expression, participants explore shared experiences of resilience while addressing barriers faced by racialized groups — particularly South Sudanese and other African diasporas.
Program Highlights:
Panel Discussion: “Bridging Identities — Building Inclusive Communities”
Storytelling for Social Change Workshop
Youth Dialogue Circle on Anti-Racism and Belonging
Cultural Showcase: Art, Fashion, and Music Celebrating Diversity
Community Commitment Wall: Public pledges toward inclusion and allyship
Focus Areas:
Multicultural understanding and inclusion
Anti-racism education and awareness
Empowering youth and newcomers
Storytelling as a tool for social justice
Tagline: “Together we rise — celebrating our cultures, challenging racism, and creating change.”
👉 Call to Action: Join our movement to build a future rooted in respect, equality, and shared humanity.
🎨 May 2026 – Creative Wellness Festival: Art, Music, and Mindful Expression
A celebration of creativity as a path to healing. The festival brings together artists, musicians, and wellness practitioners to explore the connection between art and mental health.
Highlights:
Art for Healing Workshops
Cultural Drumming & Movement Therapy
Mindful Expression for Youth
Community Art Exhibition
👉 Call to Action: Celebrate wellness through art, music, and connection.
🕊️ July or August 2026 – Bridging Generations: Intercultural Storytelling and Heritage Month
This intergenerational event honors oral traditions, community history, and cultural pride. Elders, youth, and families share stories that strengthen identity and belonging.
Activities Include:
Memoir Writing & Oral History Circles
Youth Heritage Storytelling Projects
“Cooking Our Stories” Cultural Cuisine Showcase
Traditional Music and Dance
👉 Call to Action: Connect generations through stories and shared heritage.
🔥 September 2026 – Metaphora 2: The Poetry Project & Community Barbecue
Theme: “Words that Heal, Flames that Unite”
Following the success of Metaphora: A Poetry Odyssey (2025), this second edition — Metaphora 2 — returns as an open-air community celebration blending poetry, music, food, and connection.
It’s a space where established and emerging poets come together to share their voices, celebrate culture, and foster unity. The event promotes healing through art, encourages youth participation, and uplifts marginalized voices through creative expression.
Event Highlights:
Open Mic Poetry Circle — featuring local and emerging poets
Poetry and Wellness Workshop: Writing as Therapy
Community Barbecue & Cultural Music Performances
Youth Poetry Showcase: Voices of Change
“Poetry for Peace” Booklet Launch
Focus Areas:
Poetry as activism and healing
Youth engagement and creative growth
Community bonding and intercultural celebration
Mental wellness through creative expression
Tagline: “Sharing stories, breaking bread, building bridges.”
📚 December 2026 – Literary Horizons: South Sudanese Indie Authors & Global Voices Festival
A grand celebration of literature, creativity, and cross-cultural exchange. The event will feature authors, poets, and thinkers from South Sudan and the global diaspora.
Event Features:
Amplifying South Sudanese and Racialized Voices through Indie Publishing and Cultural Wellness
Our two-year event calendar celebrates creativity, resilience, and wellness through storytelling, publishing, and community engagement.
Every four months, we host a signature event that uplifts South Sudanese and racialized voices — connecting art, identity, and mental health in powerful ways.
🎤 December 2025 – Voices of Resilience: Storytelling and Indie Publishing for Racialized Authors
Tagline: “Healing through stories that matter.”
A powerful launch event featuring storytelling, poetry, and indie publishing workshops. Writers and community members share narratives of survival, identity, and empowerment.
Focus: Storytelling • Writing • Mental Health • Representation
🎨 April 2026 – Creative Wellness Festival: Art, Music, and Mindful Expression
Tagline: “Creativity as a path to healing.”
A vibrant festival blending art therapy, cultural music, and mindfulness. Designed for youth, women, and seniors to express wellness through art and movement.
Focus: Art • Music • Mindfulness • Community Connection
🕊️ August 2026 – Bridging Generations: Intercultural Storytelling and Heritage Month
Tagline: “Connecting generations through stories of home and heritage.”
A cultural gathering linking elders, youth, and families through oral traditions, memoir writing, and traditional food.
Focus: Heritage • Oral History • Family Connection • Identity
📚 December 2026 – Literary Horizons: South Sudanese Indie Authors & Global Voices Festival
Tagline: “From local voices to global impact.”
A celebration of literature, creativity, and cultural exchange featuring emerging and established authors from South Sudan and the diaspora.
Focus: Literature • Publishing • Cultural Exchange
🧠 April 2027 – Mind and Movement: Sports, Healing, and Youth Empowerment
Tagline: “From the court to confidence.”
An event connecting sports and mental health, focusing on youth resilience, teamwork, and emotional healing through movement.
Focus: Sports • Youth • Resilience • Mental Health
💫 August 2027 – Women Who Write: Voices of Power, Healing, and Change
Tagline: “Her voice, her story, her strength.”
A festival dedicated to women writers and artists, celebrating creativity, empowerment, and advocacy through storytelling and publishing.
Focus: Women • Empowerment • Writing • Healing
🎭 December 2027 – Cultural Expressions: Theatre, Film, and Healing Narratives
Tagline: “Healing through performance and shared stories.”
A multidisciplinary event merging theatre, film, and storytelling to highlight the resilience of racialized and marginalized communities.
Focus: Film • Theatre • Creative Expression • Healing
🌱 Ongoing and Supporting Projects
To complement these celebrations, our ongoing initiatives provide year-round engagement and development:
Indie Authors Mentorship Program: Supporting emerging South Sudanese writers.
Zeal Psychology : Exploring mental health, storytelling, and creativity
Community Healing Library: Promoting reading, reflection, and resilience.
Annual Zeal Awards: Honoring excellence in cultural and mental health advocacy.
💬 Get Involved
Join us in building a stronger, creative, and healthier community through storytelling and wellness.
Whether you are a writer, artist, student, or mental health advocate — your voice matters.
Indie Authors Marketplace
“Beyond Borders” Dialogue Series
Book Launches & Readings
Awards for Literary and Cultural Impact
👉 Call to Action: Be part of a global literary movement led by emerging South Sudanese voices.
🌱 Ongoing Focus Areas
Our initiatives are grounded in creativity, wellness, and empowerment.
We focus on:
Mental health and trauma healing through art and storytelling
Empowerment of women, youth, and seniors
Cultural preservation and intergenerational dialogue
Community storytelling as a tool for resilience and social change
💬 Get Involved
Whether you’re a writer, artist, student, or community member — your voice matters.
Join us, volunteer, or collaborate to help amplify stories that heal and unite communities.
📩 Contact us at: [contactssiana@proton.me
🌐 Website: www.ssiana.com
