As another Black History Month comes to a close, we’re reminded that our story is far bigger than a single month of recognition. It’s a tapestry woven by the brilliance and perseverance of Black women—women who, despite centuries of obstacles, have carved out advancements in healthcare, wellness, and community support. In 2025, the struggle continues as our current U.S. government works to curtail essential resources and freedoms. Yet, if history shows us anything, it’s this: Black women have always risen to the occasion.
Now is the time to protect our ancestors’ legacy, carry on their work, and ensure a healthier, more equitable future for the generations to come. Below, we celebrate the milestones we’ve reached, highlight organizations uplifting Black women’s well-being, and outline the steps to continue pushing our community forward.
Honoring Our Roots
Black women have long been pivotal figures in shaping healthcare and community wellness:
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831–1895) laid the groundwork as the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S. She served poor and marginalized communities, stressing that healthcare should be accessible to everyone.
Dr. Patricia Era Bath (1942–2019) revolutionized eye care through her invention of the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment, drastically reducing blindness rates worldwide. Her genius underscores how Black women’s innovations improve lives on a global scale.
Community Caretakers Throughout History: From grandmothers imparting herbal remedies to neighborhood midwives guiding safe childbirth, our lineage is built on nurturing and healing from within our own communities.
These figures, among countless others, serve as an unwavering testament to the creativity, compassion, and tenacity of Black women in medicine and wellness.
Modern Triumphs & Our Ongoing Fight
Despite continued efforts to limit reproductive care, mental health services, and other critical resources, Black women forge new paths every day:
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett stood at the forefront of mRNA vaccine research during the global COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifying what can happen when Black women take the lead in scientific spaces.
Rise of Mental Health Advocacy: Black psychologists, therapists, and social workers are working tirelessly to erase stigmas and expand access to culturally competent mental health care. This shift is crucial, given the historical mistrust and systemic barriers our communities have faced.
Growing Platforms for Holistic Wellness: From Afro-inspired dance workouts that celebrate our heritage to mindfulness circles centering on Black women’s experiences, there’s a surge in wellness practices that resonate with our cultural identities.
While these strides inspire us, we must also acknowledge the forces that seek to strip away our healthcare options and resources. Whether it’s rolling back protections for reproductive rights or defunding community health initiatives, these actions disproportionately affect Black women—once again testing our resolve.
Local Organizations Transforming Colorado’s Health Landscape
Here in Colorado, numerous groups are leading the charge for healthier Black communities:
The Center for African American Health Offering an array of programs—from nutrition and fitness workshops to mental health resources—this center takes a holistic view of health, ensuring families receive culturally relevant support.
Soul 2 Soul Sisters Rooted in faith and justice, Soul 2 Soul Sisters focuses on reproductive justice, social activism, and emotional well-being for Black women. Their advocacy helps bridge the gap between spirituality and healthcare.
National Powerhouses Championing Black Women’s Well-Being
On a broader scale, these national organizations drive policy changes and grassroots actions:
Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) A leader in championing health equity, BWHI addresses chronic diseases and reproductive justice, while also fostering the next generation of Black women leaders in health.
SisterSong This collective centers the voices of Black women, offering tools and strategies for securing reproductive autonomy, challenging discriminatory legislation, and building a future where everybody is respected.
Carrying Our Ancestors’ Work Forward
Our current landscape demands that we step up more boldly than ever before. Each action we take—no matter how small—can safeguard the sacrifices of our forebears and lay the groundwork for a healthier tomorrow:
Invest in Your Well-Being:
Seek out providers who respect your cultural context.
Experiment with exercise routines that feed both body and soul, like Afrobeat dance classes or mindful yoga.
Prioritize mental health through therapy, journaling, or support groups that validate Black women’s experiences.
Engage with Community Organizations:
Volunteer time or resources to local and national groups amplifying Black women’s health.
Attend workshops, health fairs, and empowerment sessions to expand your knowledge and connect with others.
Raise Your Voice:
Keep an eye on legislation affecting reproductive rights, healthcare funding, and social services.
Vote in every election and encourage friends and family to do the same.
Use social media to spread awareness and call out injustice, making sure our stories—and solutions—are heard.
Lift One Another Up:
Share health insights and resources with friends, neighbors, and online communities.
Mentor young women, offering guidance and encouragement to those coming after us in the healthcare and wellness fields.
Conclusion
Black History Month is more than a yearly observance—it’s an ongoing story of defiance, success, and liberation. Black women have always found creative ways to nurture our communities, leaning on ancestral wisdom and forging new paths when traditional systems fail us. While threats to our resources persist, our collective power continues to flourish through solidarity, innovation, and unwavering commitment.
As we leave February behind, may these stories of triumph and transformative community work propel us forward. We owe it to our ancestors, ourselves, and the generations waiting in the wings to keep standing tall, celebrating our victories, and shaping a future where Black women’s health is a fundamental priority, not an afterthought.
Let’s continue this journey together—because when Black women thrive, entire communities prosper.
Ready for more ways to nurture your mind, body, and spirit? Explore FIT & NU’s curated challenges, expert-led fitness sessions, and supportive community resources—designed for us, by us.
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