Although it seems like self care has become a superficial trend, Black women before us have been using intentional methods to take care of themselves and their communities for generations. Looking at the history of self care you’ll see the stories of women coming together to support each other, initiating health and social services, and sharing art and music to remind us of our purpose, innate gifts, and our birthright.
When it comes to community care for Black women, it’s not for the sake of Black women not being able to take care of themselves, but that we need to support each other in doing so. Similar to the way the instruments in a symphony need each other to create the collective sound, and in the way our bodies need each organ and function to do their part to keep us alive, we need each other. I cannot truly support Black women in reaching their health and self care goals without connecting them to the professionals in our communities who have the specific expertise needed to support them along the way.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare”.
Audre Lorde
We each have an innate and God given talent to not only nurture ourselves and our unique paths in life, but the other people in our communities as well. Whether that be through providing meals, giving support and mutual aid, or checking in on others, there are positions for all of us.
“Anyone who is interested in making change in the world also has to learn how to take care of herself, himself, theirself.”
Angela Davis
If we’re honest, taking care of our community, fighting oppression, and remaining resilient will require many days of advocacy, protesting, and stress. And to do all of this efficiently, to truly give our community our all, it starts with ourselves. We need to begin with nurturing ourselves to give our best self, our healthiest self, our well-rested self to the front line of our lives and communities.
Caring for ourselves and our communities doesn’t need to include the latest products or expensive ingredients, but resources and initiatives that holistically help us reach our health and self care goals. Together. Taking care of ourselves is the foundation for success in our relationships, our careers, and our goals. How do you take care of your community?