Rooted in Love: The Power of Self-Love for Black People

Self-love gets talked about a lot, but for Brown and Black folx, it’s a whole different game. It’s not just about feeling good—it’s about unlearning all the messages telling us we’re not enough. It’s about pushing back against stereotypes, embracing our culture, and knowing our worth, even when the world tries to say otherwise.
Let’s be real—society hasn’t exactly made it easy for us to love ourselves. From weird microaggressions about our hair to being overlooked in professional spaces, we’ve had to work twice as hard to build confidence. But here’s the thing: we don’t need anyone’s permission to love ourselves. We deserve to take up space, to thrive, and to celebrate who we are. So, let’s get into some real, practical ways to practice self-love in everyday life.

1. Hype Yourself Up Every Day The way you talk to yourself matters. Start your day with affirmations like "I am enough," "My culture is my power," and "I deserve success." If saying them out loud feels awkward, write them on sticky notes and put them somewhere you’ll see them. Such as your mirror, laptop, or phone screen. Need some guidance? Apps like Liberate and Shine offer affirmations and meditations made specifically for people of color. ​
2. Self-Care That Actually Feels Good Forget the one-size-fits-all self-care advice, do what actually makes you feel good. Maybe that’s listening to music that hypes you up, cooking a meal from your culture, or just taking a break from social media. The Nap Ministry (www.thenapministry.com) is a great reminder that rest is not just self-care, it's a form of resistance.
3. Finding Your People Having a Solid Support System is everything. Whether it’s a family, a group chat with friends who just get it, or an online space made for us, being surrounded by people who uplift you makes all the difference. Therapy for Black Girls (www.therapyforblackgirls.com) is a great resource for mental wellness, and platforms like Ethel’s Club offer virtual spaces for community and growth.
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Support Black-Owned Businesses That Prioritize Self-Love If you want to take your self-care game up a notch, support businesses that are all about our well-being:

• Embrace Yoga DC (embraceyogadc.com) – A yoga studio focused on mindfulness and wellness for people of color.
• The Black Girl Magic Store (theblackgirlmagicstore.com) – Offers journals, affirmation cards, and self-care kits made for Black women and femmes.
• Calabash Tea & Tonic (calabashtea.com) – A tea shop blending African and Caribbean traditions to create herbal teas perfect for relaxation.

At the end of the day, self-love isn’t just about feeling good, it’s about showing up for yourself, embracing your culture, and knowing your worth. Start where you are, do what feels right, and remember: you deserve to take up space, to rest, to heal, and to thrive.