Black History Month is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the many contributions and sacrifices made by the Black community throughout United States history.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) designates a new theme each year, and this year’s focus is on the importance of Black health and wellness- a theme that is especially important as we enter our third year of the coronavirus pandemic.
ASALH describes this year’s theme as one that “acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.”
The Black community has suffered a long history of disparities when it comes to health and wellness. These disparities are largely due to the inaccessibility to resources and insurance, as well as the lack of diversity in healthcare facilities. This year’s theme is meant to inspire the Black community to think deeply about their physical and mental health, and ultimately make positive changes for overall Black wellness.
At LYLA, we know the importance of health and wellness. We are honoring Black History Month and doing our best to inspire positive change through connections. We can connect you with healthcare resources, highlight Black-owned businesses, connect you with organizations supporting equality and the Black community, and even help take care of things at home so you can prioritize your health and wellness.
Want to learn more about Black History Month? Check out these organizations:
