The History of Wellness in the Black Community: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment

Bintia Bah, ITAVCollab Spring Intern

​Trinity University, Public Health 

When most of us think about wellness, we often picture the latest fitness trends, the perfect smoothie, or the newest self-care ritual. But for the Black community, wellness has always been about more than just keeping fit; it's been about survival, resistance, and reclaiming health in a world that hasn’t always had their best interests at heart. Let’s dive into the history of wellness in the Black community, and how it has shaped the way they approach health today.
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Healing from the Roots:  Herbal Remedies and Natural Medicine
​Long before modern medicine and healthcare became widely accessible, Black people were already practicing self-care out of necessity. During the slavery era, access to doctors or medical professionals was rare for Black people, so they turned to nature for healing. They used herbal remedies, passed down through generations, to treat everything from common ailments to more serious conditions. These healing practices weren’t just about staying physically healthy they were an act of resistance, a way of surviving in a world that saw them as expendable.
Herbalism became a vital part of Black culture and wellness during this time, with plants and natural remedies becoming key to maintaining good health. These practices, deeply rooted in African traditions, are still being rediscovered and embraced today, forming the foundation of a modern wellness movement in Black communities.

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Wellness as a Human Right:
​ The Civil Rights Movement and Healthcare Access
​As the Civil Rights Movement fought for racial equality, wellness evolved into something even bigger than just individual health. It became a civil rights issue. The Black Panther Party, in particular, played a major role in shifting the conversation about health. The Party launched free health clinics in underserved communities, providing essential healthcare to those who were excluded from mainstream medical services.
These clinics weren’t just about treating sickness; they were about empowerment. The Black Panthers understood that health was directly tied to justice, and that access to healthcare was a fundamental human right. They recognized that wellness meant more than just physical health; it was about social and political power, too. Their community clinics provided vital healthcare while also challenging the system that left so many Black people without care.
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Reclaiming Wellness: The Modern Movement
Fast forward to today, and Black wellness has taken on new forms while staying true to its roots. The focus is shifting toward holistic health, which combines physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. More and more Black people are turning to plant-based diets, focusing on mental health, and even embracing ancient practices like meditation, yoga, and spiritual healing.
But it’s not all about embracing the latest wellness trends. Many are also working to address the health disparities that still disproportionately affect Black communities like higher rates of chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as the ongoing stigma surrounding mental health. For many, wellness is no longer just about looking good, it's about survival, self-care, and taking back control over their own health.

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Wellness as Resistance: A Right, Not a Privilege
Wellness in the Black community has always been about more than just physical fitness or eating well it’s about fighting for health justice and challenging a system that hasn’t always been equitable. From herbal remedies passed down through generations to the activism of the Civil Rights Movement, wellness has been a tool for empowerment, resilience, and resistance.
Today, Black people are continuing to reclaim their health, not just as a personal pursuit but as a collective right. Wellness has become a form of activism fighting for equal access to healthcare, mental well-being, and a healthier future for the next generation.
So, the next time you think about wellness, remember that it’s more than just a buzzword. It’s about justice, equity, and the power to take control of one’s health in a world that has often denied that power.
​Audre Lorde famously said, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." - Audre Lorde​

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