Black Health & Wellness

This year’s black history month theme is Black Health and Wellness – set by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). A task that I had no idea was even being done. A task that this organization has been researching and setting for years. Please visit their website to learn more about this organization and history.

This post isn’t a focus on the ongoing racial issues that a lot of black people STILL face today, whether it be protrusive or hidden; or to point out that remaining silent on racial issues is actually “speaking very loudly.” Instead, this post is to celebrate. This post is to highlight the great and growing.

Now that we know this year’s theme, let’s get into what this post is about. One of the best ways to honor and pay tribute to black history, our history, American history…is to highlight and celebrate black doctors, black dentists, black entrepreneurs, black parents, black children, black creatives…black people…that we see every day, today. We can honor and continue the very hard worked for legacies and achievements from our past generations by supporting their seeds (descendants) that are growing today.

When we think of health and wellness, the term “self-care” comes to mind. While there is no single formula for self-care, I think we can all agree that we all have things that make us feel good. And when we feel good, those feelings contribute to our health and wellness path. We have so many black owned businesses here in our city that focus on helping us all work on some aspect of our health and wellness paths that maybe this simple blog might help at least one person START their journey to better health today.

Here is a list of a couple Black owned businesses, here in Detroit, that we can all support and benefit from:

• The Detroit Eastern Market (2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207) is home space to so many of our black owned businesses and vendors that sell and create products that we can use to make us happier and healthier. And yes, using some of these natural products that are offered can contribute to our physical health, but come on, I think majority of us agree that shopping can also help our mental. Learn more about the Eastern Market and all of the vendors and businesses that make up the market.
• Envision Change (26105 Orchard Lake Rd Ste 102, Farmington Hills, Michigan, 48334) and The Path to Wholeness LLC (1899 Orchard Lake Road, Sylvan Lake, MI 48320) – Sometimes the hardest part is getting started. So here’s two mental health practices to help you “get started” on your journey of mental health. . Whether it is group therapy, couples, family, or individual therapy, all of us can benefit from talking to someone. And the best part is, we don’t have to wait until something is bothering us.
• Grind Time Fitness (18451 Wyoming Ave, Detroit, MI 48221) – “Meeting you where you are to help you improve your overall mental, physical, and emotional wellness.” This statement is straight to the point; and is BOLDED on the Grindtime Fitness homepage to make it clear what exactly it is they offer. This gem (gym) doesn’t just focus on your physical. It is homebase to the Visionary Wellness Group to help you in your ENTIRE wellness journey. Visit their site to see how you can get started in your journey today!
• Live Cycle Detroit (8019 Agnes St Detroit, MI 48214) – Cycle, TRX (Total Resistance Exercises), Hot Yoga, Pilates, AND Barre. Yes, you read all of those in one breath. Well, at least I did. A variety of fitness and wellness classes under one roof. I don’t think I need to explain anymore.

Health and wellness are not just the “serious efforts” mentioned above, but they are also the fun things that make us feel good. A couple of my favorite black owned beauty brands, that I know you may have seen around the city already, are:

• Cream Blends (4425 Fernlee Avenue, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073) – “Simple Skincare, Made with Natural Ingredients by Real People”
• Lip Bar (TLB) (1435 Farmer St Suite 122, Detroit, MI 48226) – “100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free”
• The Ten Nail Bar (6541 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48202) – One place that is on my list to try soon. When you mention “elevated nail care experience” with “champagne and warm vibes included” … why wouldn’t you go!?

I won’t even get started on the culinary arts of the city because c’mon now…food. A word that makes everyone’s ears tune in. However, I hope just mentioning it can, at the very least, get you to research more black owned restaurants/food options around the city. And remember, not every business has a huge brick and mortar location for sit-down dining. If you ask me, that makes them even more important to highlight and support.

Okay, now that I’ve had you sit and read through this, it’s time for you to go support and celebrate all the wonderful black owned businesses our city is blessed to be home to; NOT JUST THIS MONTH…but every month. Peace and Love.

**Please note, this blog is in no way partnered with or affiliated with any of the above businesses. These are suggestions and ideas that have been searched for through other media, Google, and word of mouth.