In times of uncertainty, stress, and collective grief, self-care isn’t just important, it’s essential. And as we celebrate Black History Month, we’re reminded that for Black people, self-care is more than a trend. It’s an act of resistance, a declaration of worth, and a necessary step in preserving our well-being.
Audre Lorde’s Legacy: Radical Self-Care
The concept of Radical Self-Care, first introduced by Audre Lorde, teaches us that
Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.
These words remind us that taking time to nurture ourselves—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
With everything happening in the world today, it’s easy to put our own needs last. But radical self-care means choosing ourselves even when (or especially when) the world tells us not to. It means taking intentional moments to pause, breathe, and pour back into our own cups so that we can continue to show up for our communities, our families, our legacies, and most importantly ourselves.
Rest as Resistance: A New Vision for Generational Wealth
Right now, hustle and grind culture tells us to sacrifice self-care in pursuit of “generational wealth”. But what about generational REST? Our ancestors did not fight for us to work harder, but for us to live fuller, to experience joy, and to prioritize well-being. Rest is a form of reparations. Choosing to slow down, to care for our bodies and our minds, is as much a legacy as any financial inheritance.
You Don’t Have to Earn Rest or Joy
One of the biggest misconceptions we carry is the belief: You don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t have to justify your joy. We encourage you to release yourself from the pressure to constantly intellectualize your existence. You are allowed to simply be—without guilt, without explanation, without planning your next move.
Daily Practices for Radical Self-Care
Radical self-care looks different for everyone, but here are a few ways to practice it daily:
🌿 Prioritize Rest – True rest is resistance. Whether it’s taking a nap, meditating, or simply unplugging, give yourself permission to slow down.
📖 Honor Black Stories – Read, listen, and engage with the stories of those who came before us. Their strength, joy, and resilience can be fuel for our own journeys.
💐 Create Beauty – Whether it’s arranging fresh flowers, lighting a candle, or curating a space that brings you joy, surround yourself with things that make you feel good.
🤝 Lean Into Community – Self-care doesn’t have to be done alone. Call a friend, attend a wellness event, or simply check in with someone you love.
Black History Month Is Just the Beginning
And let’s be clear, Black History Month is not just for February. The lessons, the love, the care we pour into ourselves this month should carry us through the entire year.
It’s okay to tap out, to step back, to prioritize YOU. Because when we protect our peace, when we rest without guilt, we honor our ancestors and create a new standard for the generations to come.
So, let’s embrace radical self-care not just as an act of self-preservation, but as an investment in the future. Because when we thrive, our communities do too.
