If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the suicide hotline at 988 immediately. You’re not alone, and help is available 24/7.

Black Mental Health Pioneers You Should Know: Lessons on Wellness from History’s Changemakers

Black history is rich with stories of resilience, resistance, and radical self-care. Long before mental health was widely discussed in mainstream conversations, Black leaders were practicing wellness in ways that nourished not just themselves, but entire communities. Their lives offer timeless lessons on how we can protect our peace, process emotions, and build strength in a world that often demands more than it gives.

If you’re looking for inspiration to take better care of yourself, here are five Black pioneers who prioritized wellness—along with the self-care practices we can learn from them.

1. Set Boundaries Like Audre Lorde

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde, the self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” was a fierce advocate for self-care long before it became a trendy phrase. She understood that in a world that often depletes Black women, setting boundaries is necessary for survival.

Lorde’s work reminds us that protecting our time, energy, and mental well-being isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Whether that means saying “no” without guilt, limiting access to people who drain you, or unapologetically prioritizing rest, boundaries are a form of self-love.

How to apply it:

  • Practice saying no without over-explaining.
  • Limit exposure to toxic environments (online and in real life).
  • Schedule downtime and treat it as non-negotiable.

2. Journal Your Emotions Like Maya Angelou

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou used writing as a way to process pain, joy, and everything in between. Her autobiographies, poetry, and essays gave voice to emotions that many struggle to express. She showed that writing isn’t just about storytelling—it’s about healing.

Journaling is a powerful tool for mental health. It helps you release pent-up emotions, make sense of difficult experiences, and even recognize patterns in your thoughts and behaviors. Whether you write full pages or just a few sentences a day, the act of putting words to your feelings can be deeply therapeutic.

How to apply it:

  • Start a daily or weekly journaling habit.
  • Use prompts like: What am I feeling today? What do I need more of? What do I need to let go of?
  • Write freely without worrying about grammar or structure—this is just for you.

3. Use Music as Therapy Like Nina Simone

“It’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times in which we live.” — Nina Simone

Nina Simone’s music was more than entertainment—it was therapy. Her deep, soul-stirring voice captured the rage, pain, and beauty of Black life. Whether she was singing about heartbreak or revolution, her music was a form of emotional release, both for herself and her listeners.

Music has the power to heal. It can calm anxiety, lift your mood, or give you an outlet to express emotions you might not have words for. Whether it’s jazz, gospel, hip-hop, or lo-fi beats, let music be your safe space.

How to apply it:

  • Create playlists for different moods—one for relaxation, one for motivation, one for healing.
  • Use music to decompress after a long day.
  • Try playing an instrument or singing as a form of emotional release.

4. Embrace Nature Like Harriet Tubman

“I go to the woods to find my peace and quiet.” — Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman didn’t just escape slavery—she led countless others to freedom, often navigating through forests, rivers, and mountains. The outdoors wasn’t just a path to liberation; it was also a source of strength. She found peace in nature, using it as a place of refuge and renewal.

In today’s fast-paced world, we often forget how healing nature can be. Whether it’s a walk in the park, sitting by the water, or just taking in fresh air, spending time outside can lower stress, improve mood, and bring a sense of calm.

How to apply it:

  • Take a walk outside, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
  • Try “earthing” (walking barefoot on grass or soil) to connect with the earth.
  • Spend time in green spaces when you need clarity or peace.

5. Seek Community Like the Civil Rights Leaders

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb

The leaders of the Civil Rights Movement—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ella Baker, Malcolm X, and so many others—understood that healing and change don’t happen in isolation. They built communities of support, activism, and love. They leaned on one another through victories and setbacks, knowing that collective care was just as important as self-care.

Mental health thrives in connection. Whether through family, friends, church, or support groups, having people who uplift you makes the journey easier.

How to apply it:

  • Reach out to loved ones regularly, even if it’s just a quick check-in.
  • Join a group (in person or online) centered around your interests or identity.
  • Allow yourself to be vulnerable and ask for help when needed.

Honoring the Past, Prioritizing Your Future

These Black pioneers didn’t just make history—they left behind a blueprint for mental and emotional well-being. Their lives remind us that wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

As you move through 2024, take their lessons to heart. Set boundaries like Audre Lorde. Journal like Maya Angelou. Use music as therapy like Nina Simone. Embrace nature like Harriet Tubman. Find your people like the Civil Rights leaders.

Your well-being is worth protecting. And just like those who came before us, you have the power to create a life rooted in resilience, healing, and joy.