Recap: Bridging the Gap – An Intergenerational Conversation on Self-Care

This past Saturday, Black Women For Self hosted a powerful gathering that brought together Black women across generations for an honest conversation about wellness, sacrifice, and the importance of radical self-care. What unfolded was more than dialogue, it was healing.

We began by reflecting on the superpowers of Black women—our resilience, creativity, and the way we turn struggle into strength. But we also questioned the cost, under the leadership of Black woman therapist Dr. Danielle Wright, of constantly being “superwomen,” and what it means to lay that cape down.

We then explored societal expectations, the ways Black women have been told always to be strong, always give, and rarely rest. Our elders shared what self-care looked like in their younger years, if it was even called that at all. For many, it was simply surviving, keeping the family together, working multiple jobs, or pushing through pain without complaint.

One moving theme was the exchange of wisdom between generations. Younger women shared what they wished older women had told them about self-care: that rest is not weakness, that boundaries are protection, and that joy is essential. In turn, the older women shared what they wish younger Black women knew about being a Black woman: that the fight for dignity and survival has always been heavy, but also that there is pride, beauty, and community in our journey

There were tears, laughter, and truly cathartic moments as we realized how much we carry, and how much lighter we can become when we share the load together.

At Black Women For Self, we know conversations like these are not just events, they’re acts of resistance. They remind us that self-care is not selfish, but life-saving.

As we continue this work, we invite you to join us in our Self-Care September Challenge. Let’s put these lessons into practice and build a new legacy of wellness for Black women. Click here to opt in.

Also, if you’re interested in joining us in a Mental Health First Aid training, see below.

We are pleased to invite you to the next MHFA course:

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center, 2401 Canal Street

Please note:

·        The course includes two hours of required pre-work that must be completed prior to attending.

·        The in-person session lasts six hours.

To register, click here. Add Black Women For Self when asked about the organization you are affiliated with.

In Self-care,

- Samjah Iman