Protests ignited across the United States in the last month in response to the killing of Minneapolis resident George Floyd, who died in the way of countless Black men before him—at the hands of a police officer. Across the country, people of all backgrounds continue to use their First Amendment rights to march. For those in the Black community, though, now is a necessary time to speak up while getting the support they need through health care, self care, and other means.
Many wellness resources for the Black community (including relief funds) have cropped up to help people stay safe as all of us, together, flood the streets in search of long-overdue justice.
Wellness resources for the Black community to turn to as you keep on marching
1. Zoom events supporting black Americans
The Therapy for Black Girls podcast offers group support sessions at 7 p.m. EST every Thursday night via its Facebook group. “This is designed to be a safe space for Black women to come and discuss any issues that are standing in the way of really living your life with a sense of purpose and joy. It’s not enough to just survive, the goal should be to thrive,” reads the landing page.
HealHaus has a whole roster of meditation and healing events in the pipeline on its Instagram Live. Past events include moving meditations, and this Friday, June 26 at 6 p.m. EST, Tara Nicolas will teach a donation-based session. All proceeds will go to the Urban Arts Partnership.
Yoga teacher and instructor Taylor Elyse Morrison offers her signature “Inner Workout” class via video chat about once a week. Expect a “60 minute Inner Workout focused on the theme of healing,” including movement, breathwork, journaling, and meditation. The event will be free for the black community. If you find that there isn’t currently an event scheduled, the Inner Workouts are available on-demand (for a small price).
2. Relief funds
Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund
Black journalists can apply for funding to receive money to cover mental health needs during this time. “This fund is designed to provide financial assistance for black journalists facing financial hardship who are unable to pay for the mental health support they need during this time,” reads the GoFundMe page. “While publications ask black journalists—both freelance and full-time staff members—to put their lives at risk to report on racial injustices and embed themselves within the protests, they rarely provide resources for these same journalists to process the trauma incurred both on the job and in daily life.”
#WeStillGottaEat Free Meals for Black People – Los Angeles
Danielle’s Soul Kitchen in Los Angeles is currently offering “deeply lovingly made, artisan-style, chef-quality meals and food items” for delivery and pickup sourced from high-quality ingredients. You’ll just need to fill out a form to tell the chefs about your preferred cuisines or any eating restrictions, and you’ll find nutrition at your doorstep.
The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness COVID-19 Women’s Relief Fund
“The COVID-19 Relief Fund for Black Women and Families will provide mini-grants to women to meet their family’s immediate needs for food, housing, childcare, toiletries, medication, healthcare related costs, or other critical expenses,” says the foundation’s website. The application requires a fairly short survey, and you will be granted funds based on verification of the request, the need expressed in your complete application, and the availability of funds.
Black Earth Farms Food Donations – San Francisco Bay Area
Black Earth Farms in the East Bay of San Francisco is now accepting donations via its Venmo account (@blackearthfarms) to deliver boxes of fresh, free food to Black people who have been arrested, bailed, traumatized, or injured. The farm will also donate to members of the Black community who are responsible for organizing funds for those awaiting bail and protestors who need medical attention. Direct message Black Earth Farms on Instagram for more information.
3. Other resources
Hopper Acupuncture Free Acupuncture Sessions – Los Angeles
Kaylie Hopper, LAc, is currently offering free 30-minute sessions to the black community. “I will be following strict safety protocols because of [COVID-19] that I will share with you when you reach out for an appointment. LA, please share with your black friends, family, and community,” writes Hopper in her post. If you’re interested in booking some time, email Hopper at the above web address.
Free Meditation from Beauty Boois
Yoga teacher and wellness coach Beauty Boois will be offering free guided meditation, yoga, and wellness coaching to members of the Black community throughout the nation. Sign up for her newsletter via the link above to receive more info.
MNDFL Meditation IG Live Blackover
NYC-based MNDFL meditation studio saved a week’s worth of Black-led meditation classes to its Instagram Live page so you can practice with Black teachers like Nicole Cardoza and Lauren Ash during this time.
DRK Beauty Healing Free Therapy for Women of Color
DRK Beauty is raising money to provide 10,000 hours of free therapy for women of color in states from South Carolina to New York to Arizona.
If you know of any other resources, events, or relief efforts that should be included, please email kells.mcphillips@www.wellandgood.com to have them added to this list. This post was most recently updated on June 30, 2020.
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