Danielle Fairbairn-Bland, originally from Brooklyn, hails from a family with roots in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As a teenager, she had the unique opportunity to play Netball on a Vincentian-American junior league team based in Brooklyn, NY.
“It was my first experience playing an organized sport, so there was a lot to learn, but I really enjoyed the challenge,” Fairbairn-Bland recalled.
Growing up, she also spent her summer months in St. Vincent, connecting with her heritage and family.”
“These times were filled with great memories and inspired my children’s book, Nia’s Summer Vacation in the Caribbean. Some of my fondest memories are beach days, visiting family members, and enjoying the delicious food. Even though I was born in Brooklyn, I’m a proud Vincentian, and St.Vincent is my home,” she added.
During many of these visits, she witnessed neighbors showing a genuine interest in each other by sharing fruits and vegetables from their garden and engaging in authentic dialogue across generations.
According to Fairbairn-Bland, her parents had the greatest influence on her path today. Growing up, she witnessed their sacrifices to ensure stability for her and her siblings.
“As a result of their sacrifices, I was exposed to dynamic experiences and learned lessons that shaped the way I view the world. My love for community, culture, and healing was birthed from witnessing their ability to persevere despite their circumstances,” she stated.
She now promotes healing and sparks joy through her work as a licensed mental health professional, children’s book author and speaker.
Fairbairn-Bland and her family have recently begun a new tradition of creating care packages for those experiencing housing insecurity to be distributed during the holiday season.
“This is a way for us to share our blessings with those in need of additional support. Many people are experiencing hardships and could benefit from a care package filled with simple but important winter essentials. My hope is that this can be an ongoing family tradition that can inspire others to be the change they want to see in the world,” she explained.
This is just one of the many acts of kindness Fairbairn-Bland is doing in her community. She has also been actively engaged with community groups to serve others by serving food at soup kitchens, donating gently used clothing, or visiting seniors at a long-term care facility.
Another act of kindness that she is proud of is Children’s Kwanzaa Village, an annual community event that celebrates the tradition of Kwanzaa.
“This event was co-curated by a friend and me as a way to promote unity in our community, educate our children about our rich history, and celebrate our greatness. Since 2017, families have been a part of our village and actively participate in the Kwanzaa celebration. The response has been positive, and families look forward to attending the event every year,” she continued.
Fairbairn-Bland said that her contributions have had a positive impact on the community overall, as they promote unity. “Opportunities to gather with like-minded individuals to spread joy and knowledge are exactly what we need to counteract and balance some of the negative things occurring in the world,” she explained.
Some of her hobbies as a child were dancing and playing with her cousins. Fairbairn-Bland said that when she and her cousins were together, they would have dancing competitions and practice our runway walk for the “Queen Show.” Currently, some of her hobbies include travel and creative writing.
She wants her legacy to be one of integrity, love, and joy, saying, “Whether it be through mental health support, literary art, or speaking engagements, my message remains the same. I want everyone that I come in contact with to know that they are loved and that they matter!”
She added, “I want to inspire younger generations to have a vision for their life and stay the course! Great things take time, so continue to invest in your craft, take good care of yourself, and prepare for your breakthrough.”
