10 Resources for Black Health & Wellness
A Google search on the topic of health and wellness will produce thousands of articles, books, and podcasts. Quite literally, a world of information is at our fingertips.
Yet very few of these resources speak directly to health in the Black community, even though Black Americans have the highest rates of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and hypertension, among other chronic illnesses.
As well, when looking at many of these sources, most fail to take into account the impact of systemic racism on communities of color when it comes to health, such as food insecurity, lack of access to quality healthcare, inadequate health education, and cultural food norms. Without considering these particular areas of concern, it’s difficult to gain an accurate understanding of Black health and wellness.
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But not to worry—here at Kin + Dignity, we’ve got you covered with this list of 10 resources to get you started.
This wonderful site features great interviews and insights from leading health experts, authors, and nutritionists. Topics include the detrimental effects of fast food on urban communities, the addictive nature of bioengineered foods, women’s health, men’s health, developing healthier habits, and more.
Focusing on the link between systemic racism and Black health outcomes, BLKHLTH provides a comprehensive approach to addressing health disparities in Black communities through education, partnering with public organizations to foster awareness and community health events to engage and inform. Featuring articles, podcasts, and other resources, this hub is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in understanding Black health.
This is a wonderful one-stop-shop for not only Black health education, but also health coaching, classes on disease prevention, workouts, mental health resources, and more. One only needs to sign up for a free membership to take advantage of all that this community offers. Additionally, The Black Health Academy podcast is available on Soundcloud and Apple Podcasts.
This 2019 documentary examines the devastating effects of the standard American diet on the Black community. Highlighting testimonials of Black vegans and the impact that going plant-based has had on their personal health, this documentary also explores how the community can change health outcomes by adopting plant-based diets.
Registered dietitian Dr. Fiona Lewis is on a mission to educate and empower through food. Recognizing the role that diet plays in health outcomes, Dr. Lewis' She Did That_Food brand presents a pathway to wellness through food education, a 12-week meal prep program, free cooking demos, and a line of flavor-packed proprietary seasonings, among other focused initiatives.
Hundreds of delicious vegan recipes, free meal plans, and healthy eating tips are what one finds at Sweet Potato Soul. The site also features cooking videos by author and founder Jenné Claiburne and is a wonderful resource for anyone considering a more plant-based diet.
By Any Greens Necessary (Tracye Lynn McQuirter)
Tracye Lynn McQuirter’s seminal book By Any Greens Necessary is a guide for women who want to prioritize their health through nutritious eating and a more active lifestyle. With over forty recipes, it offers tips on reclaiming health while not sacrificing flavor.
Healthy At Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Reversing Diabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses (Eric Adams)
After suddenly losing his sight due to diabetes, author Eric Adams embarked on a transformative journey that relied on the power of food to heal the body--a journey that restored his vision and set him on a path that would ultimately reverse his diabetes. Boasting life-giving health tips and tasty celebrity recipes, Healthy At Last also explores the history of soul food, its slavery origins, and how to reinvent these beloved dishes in ways that are more nutritious and health-promoting.
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health (Rheeda Walker, Ph.D.)
Mental health is a crucial part of any wellness regimen. This book is a great guide to navigating the complexities of mental health and offers tools for dealing with trauma and the stigma that surrounds these issues in the Black community.
This rich, vibrant site was created by two registered dietitians and self-described BFF’s who have a passion for food and nutrition education. From recipes to articles to the accompanying podcast, Food Heaven helps us to consider the role of culture on our culinary choices as we navigate the path to health and wellness.
As the saying goes, knowledge is power, and these important resources are sure to educate, motivate and inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves. When we prioritize health, we make strides towards healthy futures for our communities, both now and in the generations to come. And by carefully considering health realities and ramifications specifically as they relate to the Black population, we will be better prepared to tackle the problematic contexts that inform our choices—and ultimately change the wellness trajectory of the Black community for the better.
