Black Women 4 Healthy Living

06/20/2026

Celebrating Juneteenth

Yesterday, we gather to celebrate Juneteenth to recognize freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Black community. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice for all.

At Black Women 4 Healthy Living, this celebration is dear to us. Our annual Juneteenth Tea is more than an event; it's a heartfelt tribute to the strength and perseverance of those who came before us. It honors the courage of men and women who, despite facing immense trauma, survived and paved the way for future generations. Their survivorship inspired us to create supportive and safe environments that foster healing and growth.

Juneteenth is also a call to action—reminding us that while progress has been made, the journey towards true equality continues. It's a day to reflect on the past while committing to a future where everyone, regardless of race or background, is treated with dignity and respect.

We are proud to collaborate with local organizations to share the rich history of Juneteenth with our community. Together, we amplify voices, educate, and inspire change. We are grateful that We are Iowa Local 5 news captured the essence of our event, helping to spread awareness and understanding. As Michelle Obama said, “Here in America, we don't let our differences tear us apart... we're all in this together.”

We are honored that you chose to join us at the Juneteenth Tea to celebrate freedom, and reaffirming our commitment to unity and equality. Let's continue to uplift each other and strive for a world where everyone can thrive.

Happy Juneteenth!

Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for more information on upcoming events and activities or provide your support.

https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/community/iowa-juneteenth-celebration-black-women-4-healthy-living/524-f49a7211-f1c7-4748-826d-a1718d8c842a

Discover how a Juneteenth event in Des Moines hopes to inspire self-worth and community strength.

06/18/2026

Thoughtful Thursday: Black Women Protect Your Oil

“Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.” —Pema Chödrön

Black Women, protecting our peace and mental health must be a priority. Our Emotional and Mental Health is essential to our overall well-being. Unfortunately, unrealistic expectations and pressure has been placed upon us from generation to generation.
We all have been raised to work twice as hard to get half as far as our white counterparts. This is a known practice in the Black community.

First Lady Michelle Obama stated “...no matter how far you rise in life, how hard you work to be a good person, a good parent, a good citizen – for some folks, it will never be enough.”

Unfortunately, Black women feel extraordinary stress and pressure to earn equal respect in society – especially at work. Black women often feel unspoken discrimination or bias – based on their physical appearance like their hair, their facial features, and their body shape, as well as judgment about speech or speaking voice.

Black Women protect your oil by joining a village of Black Women who create safe spaces to decompress. While it can be extremely difficult to open up and share your feelings and experiences in a trusted space it is one of the most powerful things you can do for your mental health.

Black Women 4 Healthy Living is committed to advocating, supporting and empowering Black Women to prioritize their health. We create safe spaces where Black women can be their authentic selves and decompress from the societal burdens.

Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for more information on upcoming events and activities or contact us at [email protected] or 515-219-4300





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06/12/2026

We're thrilled to announce that the Juneteenth Tea Event is sold out! Thanks to everyone who registered and supported Black Women 4 Healthy Living. We can't wait to celebrate with you.

Stay Connected:

1. Upcoming Events: Visit our website http://www.bw4hl.org for future events and activities.

2. Get Involved: Volunteer, collaborate, or donate to support our mission.

Thank you for your support! We look forward to celebrating Juneteenth and promoting Holistic Healthy Living.

06/11/2026

Community Unity Opportunity

06/11/2026

Community VBS
Please save the date for our upcoming Community Vacation Bible School, which will be held from June 29th through July 2nd here at Corinthian Baptist Church.

The theme for this year is “Hooked! Reeled in to serve God,” with classes available for all ages. Dinner will be served each evening at 5:30 PM, and classes will begin promptly at 6:00 PM.

Please use the following link to register online by June 26th:
https://corinthianbc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/67/responses/new

If you have any questions, please contact Deaconess Jamie Yovonie at [email protected]

06/10/2026

Wellness Wednesday: Brain Health for Black Women

"You may not remember but I will never forget"
Unknown Author

Alzheimer’s disease is a pressing issue globally, but its impact is especially harsh in Black communities in the United States. Black Americans face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s but are still not adequately represented in clinical research. This gap represents the need for studies that truly reflect the diverse communities impacted by this disease.

Black women, in particular, face a significant challenge. They are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and often serve as primary caregivers in their families. This dual role highlights the urgent need for resources and support tailored to help them manage these responsibilities.

Systemic inequities, like differences in educational quality, limited access to literacy, socioeconomic barriers, and exposure to structural racism, directly impact performance on cognitive assessments. These issues can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of dementia in Black communities, continuing the cycle of inadequate care.

Dr. Shah, a physician at Broadlawns and a dedicated dementia care specialist, is focused on addressing these disparities. His work emphasizes early detection of Alzheimer’s, especially in underserved and minority populations. By promoting brain health for all, Dr. Shah aims to create a more equitable healthcare landscape.

BW4HL is dedicated to advocating and supporting the awareness Alzheimer’s research and care. We know the importance of ensuring diverse representation in clinical studies and tailoring resources to the unique challenges of Black communities. This advocacy can help address brain health to ensure timely and accurate diagnoses. This requires a collective effort from researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to prioritize inclusivity and equity in all aspects of Alzheimer’s care.

Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for more information on upcoming events and activities.

Scan the QR codes to take the Brain Quiz

06/03/2026

Wellness Wednesday: Black Women Protect Your Well-being

“Let nothing dim the light that shines from within.”

– Maya Angelou

It's been a rough 12 months! We know many Black Women, are feeling overwhelmed – whether they are in system overload, or just trying to make sense of it all the current changes and decisions.

Let's Start with just breathing. The Black and Brown Communities are experiencing a moment of crisis where they can't breathe. It is essential to be connected to a community or village that will pour into your life and create a fence of protection.
We're going to be alright, but staying informed with accurate information and connectioning with relevant resources is key; trusted sources are more important than ever. There is so much misinformation running rampant right now, causing anxiety and fear.

The spiritual, mental, emotional and physical burnout shakes our character, leaves us feeling hopeless, and in some cases, even leads to depression. Burnout from life stressors is by no means the same as exposure to, or witnessing life-threatening events in our communities; that have the power to demoralize us.
When burnout goes unchecked, it can strip away our sense of self, pushing us to emotional and mental exhaustion. With constant work demands and social/global media; it’s easy to feel like you’re always "on".

Preventing burnout isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter and more intentionally. By setting thoughtful boundaries, practicing self-care, and recognizing when to ask for help, you can protect your well-being and your energy. Remember, burnout creeps up on you if not checked and you can catch it early and prevent it from taking its hold.

Ultimately, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s an absolute necessity. BW4HL is intentional on educating that taking care of your own mental health is your civic duty. Prioritize your health, and you’ll be better equipped to show up as your best self in all areas of life.

The BW4HL Free programming is designed to addresse the health disparities of Black women. We approach this holistically: physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, financially, and with a justice lens.

Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for more information on upcoming events and activities or contact us at [email protected].

06/02/2026

Celebrating Juneteenth: A Commitment to Health and Equity

As we approach Juneteenth, a crucial moment in American history marking the end of slavery, we at Black Women 4 Healthy Living recognize the importance of this day in our collective journey towards freedom, equality, and empowerment. Juneteenth is not only a time to celebrate liberation but also an opportunity to reflect on the progress we've made and the work that still lies ahead.

Black Women 4 Healthy Living is a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the health disparities that disproportionately affect Black women. Our organization emphasizes holistic well-being in response to the concerning rates of preventive chronic illnesses, morbidity and mortality within our community. Our mission focuses on improving healthcare access and providing education and resources to empower Black women towards achieving wellness.

This mission is deeply rooted in our commitment to equitable health outcomes, tackling systemic barriers, and promoting a holistic approach to health encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By engaging with communities and forming strategic partnerships, we aim to create a nurturing environment where Black women can flourish, ultimately contributing to the reduction of health disparities and the advancement of public health equity.

Juneteenth represents a critical milestone in the fight for equality and serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Black communities. As we celebrate this day, we reaffirm our dedication to providing safe spaces where Black women can prioritize their health journey. Our culturally competent health awareness programs and initiatives are designed to honor the legacy of our ancestors by continuing the work of breaking down barriers to health and freedom.

In the spirit of Juneteenth and World SickleCell Day, let us continue to support one another, by becoming a Blood Donor. Sickle Cell is a chronic condition that impacts communities of color. We encourage you to visit a blood drive and make a difference by connecting with the American Red Cross. Find a local drive near you at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.

Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for more information on upcoming activities and events.

05/27/2026

"Self-care is how you take your power back." —Lalah Delia

Please join us for our Black Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group. We are focused on Holistic health and well-being; in which we have partnered with community organizations. We know it's the little things that make a huge impact on our healing process. Having appropriate access and support brings a sense of normalcy is essential to the emotional, mental and physical well-being of women impacted by breast cancer.

BW4HL is committed to advocating for the Health and Well-being of Black Women. We know that Black Women are dying of breast cancer at a disproportionate rate. We are here to support, educate and empower our Black Women to prioritize their health journey.

Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for more information on upcoming events and activities or contact us at [email protected].

05/27/2026

Wellness Wednesday: Breaking Chains-Addressing Black Girls Mental Health

Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

Maya Angelou

Black Girls experiencing mental health issues such as depression; may manifest differently than it does in adults—for example, young people with depression may exhibit interpersonal or behavioral problems, low self-esteem or hopelessness pessimism. This may make it more likely that Black girls will be flagged as “problem” or “troublemakers” and punished rather than being understood as depression or mental health issues.

FACTSHEET:Mental Health of Black Girls

💔Black girls who are impacted by the juvenile and criminal legal system higher risk for depression.

💔For youth in foster care—where there are a disproportionate number of Black youth—mental health issues are high among teenagers, 42% had at least one mental health disorder.

💔The COVID-19 pandemic has increased existing inequities in mental health services in which many mental health needs continue to go unaddressed.

When mental health needs go unaddressed, it can lead to terrible outcomes:
💔Mental health continues to decline, and the impact of not addressing adolescent mental health issues last long into adulthood.
💔Mental health issues can begin to manifest physically and make it difficult to cope with parts of daily life.
💔Mental health issues can lead to poor performance in school, job loss, homelessness, and it can make people more vulnerable to victimization.

Overall, racial and ethnic minorities have less access to mental health services, and when they receive care, it is more likely to be of poorer quality. For youth, nearly 50% of those with a mental health disorder did not receive needed treatment or counseling from a mental health professional.

There are many things that the Black Community can do to support our Black girls. The most important is to participate in Our local elections💥. We need proper representation at the Capitol; who will support a policy agenda to expand the availability and accessibility of culturally-competent and gender-responsive mental health and well-being services to Black girls and other youth of color who are experiencing mental health needs and su***de risk.

BW4HL is committed to supporting and strengthening our Black Community. We are focused on eliminating systemic barriers such as poverty and racism and discrimination—which leads to housing/homelessness, incarceration, unemployment. We know that proper representation on a legislative level can get us a long way towards better mental health for our Black girls.

Please visit our website www.bw4hl.org for more information on upcoming events and activities or contact us at [email protected].