Black Health & Wellness
This year's theme for Black History Month is Black Health and Wellness. The following resources have been crafted with Black Health and Wellness in mind to empower you to live your life fully. Additionally, click on the buttons below to read stories from your colleagues about what Black History Month means to them or share your own story.

“Hold on to your dreams of a better life and stay committed to striving to realize it.”
–Earl G. Graves, Sr.
Cultural Wellness
Cultural wellness refers to our awareness and understanding of and intrinsic respect for our own identities and background as well as the diversity and richness present in the cultural backgrounds and identities of others.
Trivia
Who Said That?
Who Said That? is a fun trivia game that challenges you to identify which historical Black leader said that quote. Find out just how much you know about famous quotes in Black history. Compete against your friends and have fun learning together.
ted talk
Black History is American History
In this talk, Okalani Dawkins discusses the importance of including more emphases on Black History within our educational system. Watch now to learn more about Black leaders in American history.
Challenge
21-Day Racial Equity Challenge
Participate in this 21-day challenge to read, listen, connect, and reflect to further your understanding of power, privilege, supremacy, oppression, and equity. Participate at your own pace.
Emotional Wellness
Our emotional wellness manifests in our ability to meet the world with optimism, trust and a sturdy sense of self-esteem.
Video Series
Sharing Hope
Sharing Hope is a three-part video series that explores the journey of mental wellness in Black communities through dialogue, storytelling and a guided discussion. Hear their stories.
TED Talk
Black Mental Health Matters
What is “Black Mental Health” and why does it “Matter”? Hear Phillip’s journey of trauma, resilience, and advocacy in this passionate talk.
Podcast
Mental Health and Wellness Podcasts
If you are searching for a variety of free information about mental health and wellness, check out this list of relatable podcasts created with Black wellness in the forefront.
For more information about mental health, check out this resource: African Americans | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Social Wellness
With more than 50,000 employees combined, the UF and UF Health community is practically a city unto itself! Find support and like-minded people by perusing the resources found here.
challenge
Wellness Challenges
Participate in one of our guided wellness challenges to create positive habits in a fun way. Improve your social wellness by organizing a challenge with a team of coworkers.
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Get Connected
Looking for ways to get connected at UF and in our community? Discover a wide range of UF networks and communities of practice as well as local professional and recreational organizations.
video
Dealing with Microaggressions
Microaggressions are indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group. Find out how this collection of individuals embraces diversity and actively combats microaggressions.
Spiritual Wellness
Our spiritual life is an often-overlooked aspect of wellness, but our guiding beliefs, principles and values provide us with deeper meaning and purpose.
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Meditation and Mindfulness
Explore meditation and relaxation resources, including live-streamed classes, pre-recorded sessions, and a self-guided meditation challenge. Sign up for a weekly mindfulness email and receive presentations by field experts.
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Coping with Stress
Spirituality looks different for everyone. However you view spirituality and religion, many agree that nurturing your spiritual health is an important aspect in wellness and plays a crucial role in coping and managing stress.
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Self-Inquiry Discussion Group
Join the discussion and try to answer the questions of life like, what am I? how did I get here? what happens when I die? This group meets biweekly on Saturday afternoons.
Environmental Wellness
Interdependence with our surroundings and the natural world make the environment an important aspect of our overall well-being.
leadership opportunity
Outdoor Afro
Outdoor Afro is a national, not-for-profit network that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Check out the resources they have on their website and social media.
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Connecting to your Environment
Learn ways to slow down and enjoy the environment you’re in. Learn how to relax, kick off your shoes, and connect with nature and the world around you.
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Get in Touch with Nature
If you’re looking to get outside today, check out these resources which supply you with all the information you’ll need to submerge yourself in local beauty.
Financial Wellness
Adopting smart fiscal management practices and preparing for short- and long-term expenses can help ensure we are “fiscally fit.”
Toolkit & Webinar
Financial Literacy Series
Through a series of webinars hosted by UFHR Wellness, you will learn sustainable ways to increase financial literacy and develop healthier financial habits like saving for retirement, reviewing your insurance, and managing your credit.
counseling
Free 1-on-1 Financial Counseling
If you’re interested in understanding and organizing your finances, sign up for 1-on-1 virtual financial counseling. Services are offered to individuals who are undeserved, including those living in rural communities, those with chronic illnesses or those struggling to make ends meet.
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Tackling Racial Gaps in Finance
The 2019 national Black poverty rate was more than double the white poverty rate in the U.S. (roughly 22% compared to 9%, respectively), as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). Check out the link below to learn how to tackle financial challenges.
Occupational Wellness
Our day-to-day work provides personal fulfillment that maximizes our talents. Find resources here to support you in your goals.
resource list
Personalize Your Workspace
Your workplace environment often can affect your mood and behaviors at work. If you struggle finding the balance between your work life and your personal life, try one of these tips to create your own personal paradise at work.
video
Addressing Bias in the Workplace
Watch this short video to learn about what biases in the workplace look like and how to avoid loaded language. You will also learn information about how to support a diverse workplace.
ted talk
Combatting Racism and Place-ism
In this video, Dr. Nwando Olayiwola discusses how health care should not be determined by the color of your skin or your zip code. Watch this inspirational talk to learn how we can do better at combatting racism and place-ism in the workplace.
Physical Wellness
Proper nutrition, exercise and disease prevention all add up to a healthier you!.
appontment scheduler
Colon Cancer Awareness
The overall incidence rate of colorectal cancer is increasing in young adults, particularly young African Americans. If you are 45 years or older, the time to get screened is now. Contact your primary care physician with any questions or concerns and to schedule your screening.
local fitness center
UF Health Fitness and Wellness Center
In the United States, African Americans are at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes than their white counterparts. Physical exercise is an important part of prevention of these diseases. This wellness center offers personal training, 30-minute small group training classes, and fitness equipment that is open to all.
influencers – social media
Healthy Eating Inspiration
Research shows that how you spend your time on social media can impact your mood and even your outlook on life. Whom you follow on social media can also shape and play a role in your health and weight loss goals. If you need healthy eating inspiration, check out and follow these healthy eating influencers.
Intellectual Wellness
As lifetime learners, our intellect is fed by an openness to new ideas, our capacity to think and to question, and our willingness to master new skills.
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African American Wellness Project
Learn more about your overall wellbeing with this comprehensive FREE resource. Explore a variety of information covering multiple health topics, gain access to a symptom checker, learn how to get the most out of your medical appointments, get the latest COVID updates, and more!
ted talk
Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Luvvie Ajayi Jones is not afraid to speak up or ask questions. In this talk, Luvvie shares three questions to ask yourself if you’re teetering on the edge of speaking up or quieting down — and encourages all of us to get a little more comfortable with being uncomfortable.
idea list
Mastering New Skills
If making a commitment to learning is one of your New Year’s resolutions, or even if you just want to start a cool new hobby this year, browse through this list of resources to find out how to master new life skills.
Looking for your next read? Check out this list of must-read books by Black authors.