Black Women's Movement to Reclaim Our Health

Black women’s health outcomes have been a major source of health inequities for decades. The pandemic and uncovering of systemic racial injustice and continued marginalization within the healthcare system in the United States have further exacerbated inequities. Black women face the highest rates of maternal mortality, cervical and breast cancer mortality, cardiovascular disease, asthma, obesity, and lower access to supportive and equitable health care when compared to their white counterparts. Prior to the pandemic, Black women were more likely to experience economic hardships while balancing multiple responsibilities (e.g. child care, caring for parents or elders, active community roles, financial responsibilities), resulting in acute and chronic stressors which both directly and indirectly continue to contribute negatively to their health outcomes.

Health activism has been in existence since the 1800s to improve the well-being of disenfranchised or marginalized people. It has and continues to be instrumental in addressing the specific needs and well-being of Black women. Over the past several decades, new approaches to health activism have either emerged or traditional strategies have evolved in an effort to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for Black women. Many community activists and organizations advocate for policy actions while helping Black women position their voices to address the systemic factors by which they are impacted. Although these health advocacy approaches differ in approach and scope, their unifying goal is to use policy as the primary tool to improve Black women’s health.

The Black Women’s Movement to Reclaim Our Health Project, aims to illustrate, highlight, and analyze efforts of health activists and organizations centered specifically on Black women’s health through use of the Humanities Truck.

In partnership with the Black Women’s Health Imperative, GirlTrek, and Sippin’ T with Nat & Z Podcast Group, The Black Women’s Movement to Reclaim Our Health Project, aims to illustrate, highlight, and analyze efforts of health activists and organizations centered specifically on Black women’s health through use of the Humanities Truck. 

One goal of this project is to digitize oral stories of activists and organizations who are committed to providing programming and conducting policy work for the improvement of Black women’s health. We will create a space of celebration for community empowerment and engagement where community members pay homage to activists/organizations that helped them recenter and prioritize the importance of well-being.  

To recommend someone to be interviewed, please click here to complete the activism interview form.

For any inquires about “Black Women’s Movement to Reclaim Our Health,” please contact the project director Dr. Martinique Free at mfree@american.edu

Scroll to Top