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aAs a family medicine physician and a Black woman, I have witnessed countless stories that vividly demonstrate the incredible strength and resilience of Black women as they confront and overcome health challenges. Their stories reveal that with courage, determination, and the acceptance of a supportive community, even the most terrifying challenges can be overcome.
Throughout their complex journeys, Black women have overcome situations on the edge of human endurance with grace and resilience. As we jointly peer into the lives of several extraordinary heroines, I stand as an advocate and ally, highlighting their stories and amplifying their voices. A voice similar to that of my patient.
Read more: Black women are breaking barriers in the face of tough headwinds
her health journey
These compelling stories provide a glimpse into the tenacity of Black women who overcome health conditions and are a source of inspiration for all of us.
- Robin Roberts: From her time as an anchor on Good Morning America, Roberts has emerged as an inspirational icon, fearlessly confronting breast cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome (an abnormality in the production of blood cells). Her candid conversations about her own health battles, both when she spoke at Cures Extraordinary Healers events and during an Eyewitness News interview with anchor Charlene Allicott, reflect on her influence. It blends harmoniously with a powerful media presence. She has turned her platform into a megaphone, not only sharing her own story but also highlighting the importance of early detection, bone marrow donation, and advocating for her overall health and well-being. I was also able to do that.
- Taraji P. Henson: The famous actress was fearless in opening up about her mental health journey. In a fascinating feature on her by USA Today, she delves into the depths of her anxiety and depression during the pandemic, and even talks about wrestling with her thoughts of self-harm. In 2018, she took the notable step of establishing her Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her father, who faced post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder. Ta. The foundation now serves as a vital source of mental health support for the Black community, addressing critical needs and extending a lifeline to promote healing.
- Viola Davis: “I was shocked,” Davis recalled. “She didn’t know what to do.” The acclaimed actress turned her own surprise into a powerful vehicle for her change. Through her narration of her diabetes documentary, “A Touch of Sugar,” she used her influence to advocate for her diabetes awareness and healthier lifestyle. Her efforts resonate beyond her own illness, addressing her stigma associated with the disease and highlighting the seriousness of her diabetes.
- Serena Williams: No one believed the tennis legend. Just 24 hours after becoming a mother, she developed shortness of breath. Due to her experience with blood clots in her past, she noticed eerie signs of a pulmonary embolism that threatened her life. Although her emergency surgery was required and she subsequently required six weeks of strict bed rest, her determination to advocate for herself kept her alive. She bravely spoke about her own experience in an interview with Vogue magazine. On another very personal note, Williams opened up about her post-partum emotional struggles in an Instagram post, encouraging Black women to advocate for their health and highlighting critical issues affecting women. shed light on health issues.
- Sheryl Underwood: The famous comedian and co-host of The Talk talks about uterine fibroids and their unexpected twist. She underwent reconstructive surgery for her pregnancy, and ultimately her decision to undergo a partial hysterectomy resulted in unexpected bladder complications and urinary incontinence. Undaunted, she turned adversity into an opportunity to normalize, advocated for solutions to challenges, and embraced her role as spokesperson for Depens’ “Underawareness” campaign.
- Tamron Hall: The 48-year-old famous TV presenter kept her pregnancy a secret. Why is it a secret? Her journey to becoming a mother was anything but simple. On an episode of People’s podcast “Me Becoming Mom,” she boldly opened up about her infertility experience and her heart-breaking fear of a possible miscarriage. Her candid conversations about this often-unspoken topic create a sense of solidarity, empower other Black women to actively seek help for their reproductive health, and reignite new hope about motherhood.
- Dr. Bernadette Anderson (me): The saying “Doctor, heal yourself” resonated with me. I didn’t feel good at all. I took tests and exams but got no results. However, I instinctively felt that something was wrong. I decided to take a step back, reevaluate my symptoms, and request a test for my prolactin hormone levels. The results proved that my intuition was correct – positive. Further investigation with a brain MRI revealed the presence of a prolactinoma, a benign pituitary tumor, and revealed the root cause of my delayed menstrual cycles, headaches, and ultimately milky breast discharge. I did. This led me to think more closely about the complexities of women’s health and the importance of tracking symptoms that don’t have a clear explanation.
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Call to action: Improve the health of Black women together
These stories are more than personal victories, each serve as a resounding call to action, a force for change, and a passionate rallying cry to unite in improving the health of Black women.
By taking the following actions, you can play a meaningful role in advancing this important movement while truly celebrating the tenacity and determination of outstanding Black women.
- Make their voices louder: Use your platform, big or small, to amplify the voices of Black women who advocate for better health. Share their stories, join the conversation, and help raise awareness about the unique challenges they face.
- Support organizations: There are many organizations dedicated to improving the health of Black women and addressing health disparities. Consider supporting initiatives like Black Women’s Health Imperative dedicated to improving the health of Black women. Or, Black Girls Smile drives change through campaigns, events, and advocacy that destigmatize mental health issues. You can likewise contribute to groups dedicated to diabetes awareness, cardiovascular health, and related causes.
- Please educate yourself: Take the time to learn about specific health issues that affect Black women, including disparities in access to health care. Understanding the root causes of these challenges is critical to informed advocacy.
- Advocate for policy change: We support policy initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities, improving access to health care, and promoting fair treatment for Black women. Use your voice to advocate for change at the local, regional and national level.
- Make your health a priority: Remember, advocacy begins with self-care. Prioritize your own health and well-being and encourage those around you to do the same. Your journey can be a testament to the transformative power of resilience.
- Celebrate diversity: Recognize and celebrate diversity within the Black community. Health challenges and experiences vary, and it is important to recognize this diversity in order to develop effective strategies for improvement.
A record of black women’s health and strength
The thread of resilience intricately woven through these courageous health journeys is a reminder that adversity is no match for the unwavering spirit of Black women. As their stories touch our hearts, let us come together to be inspired by their strength and work to promote a world where the well-being of all Black women is valued and celebrated. By honoring their courage, we illuminate a path forward paved with empathy, advocacy, and the common unbreakable bonds of humanity that unite us as a global community.
Dr. Bernadette Anderson is a wellness curator, author, and founder of Life in Harmony LLC, an innovative, intentional, action-oriented approach to well-being based on the principles of lifestyle medicine. She was awarded “Most Innovative Mental Wellness Programming Provider 2023 — Midwest U.S.” by Global Health and Phrama. In the happiness category, her book “Fulfilling. 52 Prescriptions for Healing, Health, and Happiness” won the 2023 New York City Big Book Award.
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