As protests continue to sweep the nation in response to the killing of Minneapolis resident George Floyd, self-preservation is key. The pressure to power through racial trauma, the expectation to guide non-blacks through allyship, and the endless scroll of troubling stories on social media can become mentally and emotionally exhausting, as many black women have recently expressed. So taking the time and necessary steps to protect your mental health is crucial, perhaps now more than ever.
As Octavia Raheem, co-owner of Sacred Chill West, wrote on Instagram: “Take deep unapologetic care of yourself today and all days. Your heart. Your mind. Your body…Rest. Then rise.” Here, we’ve highlighted six organizations that are committed to helping black women cope and recharge so that they can continue in the fight for justice that is long overdue. Whether you’re looking for access to counseling, safe group discussions for POC or practical self-care advice, we encourage you to look at the different resources these wonderful organizations are providing.
For all non-black allies, we have also listed links to donate throughout.
The Loveland Foundation
The Loveland Foundation has long been committed to black mental health and works to break the barriers that prevent communities of color from getting access to treatment. Through the Loveland Therapy Fund, black women and girls are provided financial assistance when seeking therapy. And on the organization’s Instagram page, you will free mental health advice, healing meditations, and grief discussions.
Ethel’s Club
Through digital memberships, Ethel’s Club has created a community for people of color with a focus on wellness, healing, and creation. In response to the recent tragedies, the company is hosting two one-hour virtual group healing and grieving sessions. “Both events will be led by licensed Black therapists to help hold space and process the weight of the many complex emotions that we are feeling and carrying right now,” they explain on Instagram. The events will be held on June 9 and June 23 at 6 p.m. EST and are free to black people worldwide. Learn more here. Additionally, on June 5, Ethel’s Club is partnering with Rachel Ricketts to offer a free breath-work webinar.
Black Girls Breathing
Black Girls Breathing offers meditational breathwork sessions designed specifically for black women and led by Jasmine Marie, a trained breathworker and mindfulness practitioner. “Breathwork is a powerful active meditation technique used to usher stagnant energy out of the body, help acknowledge and release difficult emotions and traumas, and decrease anxiety and stress by reframing the nervous system’s response to triggers,” the site reads. This week, you can join the virtual breathwork circles at no cost.
Therapy For Black Girls
Therapy for Black Girls is described as an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls, and the organization has become known for its popular podcast by the same name. On Thursday, June 4 at 7 p.m. EST, they are hosting a group discussion with Dr. Key Hallmon, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Dr. Ayanna Abrams, and Dr. Joy Beckwith. Attendance is free; register here. Therapy for Black Girls also offers group support sessions at 7 p.m. EST every Thursday night via Facebook, where you can submit suggested topics of discussion. “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,” they explain.
HealHaus
HealHaus is a wellness space and cafe located in Brooklyn, NY. While they usually offer in-house workshops and events, like many others, they have recently turned to social media to reach the community. The company is hosting several events this week, including a donation-based moving meditation on Instagram Live on Wednesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. that will be led by Intuitive Wellness Practitioner Tiffani Moore. All proceeds will go to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Reclaim the Block, and George Floyd’s Family. On Friday, June 5 at 8:00 p.m. EST, HealHaus is hosting a Circle of Care for Black Womxn via Zoom, which will be guided by Thérèse Cator, a leadership coach and Founder of Black Girls Breathe. The event is described as a “safe, life-giving support community for black womxn during tumultuous times to witness and bear witness to one another.”
BLH Foundation
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, founded by Taraji P. Henson, in a non-profit that works to “ensure cultural competency in caring for African Americans who struggle with mental illness.” The organization is currently offering free therapy for communities of color. Text NOSTIGMA to 707070 to learn more.
The Nap Ministry
The Nap Ministry is an organization that examines the liberating power of rest. “We believe rest is a form of resistance and name sleep deprivation as a racial and social justice issue,” the website explains. If you are feeling guilty for resting right now, you will undoubtedly feel better once visiting their Instagram page. “There is deep power in taking a break, honoring your body, and actively participating in your deprogramming from grind culture. We’ve been brainwashed to be violent towards our own bodies by pushing it to exhaustion,” one post reads. The Nap Ministry has also curated playlists that promote rest and mindfulness.
Gurls Talk
Gurls Talk has partnered with Brooklyn-based therapist Wale Okerayi, LMHC, to share tips on how to disengage when necessary, ways to set boundaries with non-OC, and the importance of self-care. The 5-minute video, titled “Taking the Time to Disconnect & Recharge While Fighting for Racial Justice,” can be found on the Gurls Talk IGTV. On Friday, June 5 at 1 p.m. EST, the organization’s founder Adwoa Aboah will be speaking with the Future, international activist & founder of BLM Canada, on Instagram Live. You can submit questions by direct messaging @gurlstalk.