Five Organizations That Promote The Holistic Wellbeing of Black People
Since the murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Aubrey, there have been numerous individuals and companies that have poured funds into organizations like the NAACP and other national organizations. Now that the protests have started to die down and are no longer a consistent presence in the news cycle, it’s safe to assume that some of that initial outpouring of financial support has slowed down. There’s nothing wrong with supporting large national organizations and responding to immediate needs. However, as we transition into the longer stretch of advocating for our collective liberation, it’s important to turn our awareness to how we can support Black lives holistically and over an extended period of time so that the movement can be sustained. Black people are not only being harmed by acute issues such as COVID-19 and police brutality but also by chronic stress, lack of access to healthy food, housing instability, generational trauma, a disproportionate maternal mortality rate, and more. All of these factors continue to weather away at the overall wellbeing of Black people and although it’s overwhelming and daunting, there are many small organizations that are doing amazing work to address these issues at the root and could benefit from financial support.
If you’re looking and are able to support smaller organizations on a recurring basis or are just looking for other ways to sustain your involvement in the movement, here are five organizations that are supporting Black people across multiple fronts:
Harlem Grown: As a “Harlem-based youth development nonprofit utilizing food justice as a vehicle for social transformation,” Harlem Grown has always centered their work around food justice but recent events have caused them to expand from a food justice platform to orienting their services through a deeper racial and social justice lens.
Iris House: Founded in 1992, the Iris House was created to support women of color living with HIV/AIDS in New York and it was the first organization of its kind. Today it continues to support the community through food and nutrition programs, testing and prevention services, housing, and LGBTQ+ focused programming.
I See You Wellness: Created and led by Mar, I See You Wellness is a healing studio dedicated to accessible wellness for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. With a range of products, online sessions, and private coaching, Mar provides tools to promote overall healing.
Ancient Song Doula Services: Found in 2008, Ancient Song Doula Services is a New York-based organization dedicated to ending the infant mortality and maternal mortality crisis through doula services, doula training, events, classes and ultimately “reclaiming the ancient principles of birthing.”
The Loveland Foundation: Founded by public academic, Rachel Cargle, the Loveland foundation is a non-profit dedicated to providing Black women with access to free therapy.
As you continue to find ways to show up for yourself and define your lane in the movement as a Black person or as you’re looking to support the Black Lives Matter movement as an ally, I hope these organizations and others like them will provide avenues to learn and support fighting the many other battles Black people face on a daily basis.
By: Paula
Photo: Brea Soul @ Nappy Co