Dear Village,
March is International Women's Month. It’s a time when the world pauses to celebrate women's contributions, strength, and resilience. Here's what we know: celebration without rest is just another demand. For Black women, the invitation to be strong often comes with an unspoken expectation to keep going, keep giving, keep holding it all together.
We're living in heavy times. The weight on Black women and women of color right now is real; politically, economically, emotionally. While the world celebrates our strength, we want to offer something different: permission to put it down. To exhale. To reclaim rest as resistance, not luxury.
This month, we invite you to practice one of the most powerful (and free) tools we have: breathwork. When the load gets heavy, ground yourself by taking a few deep, slow breaths. Inhale for four counts. Hold for four. Exhale for six. Repeat. It's simple, it's accessible, and it's yours, no one can take it from you.
We also want to thank our village for showing up at our Beautiful Black Women (BBW) Gathering on February 7. Your presence, and energy reminded us why this work matters. Community care is how we survive. Collective rest is how we thrive.
Save the Date: May 2, 2026 Our Legend of the Strong Black Woman workshop is coming. This hands-on gathering will go deeper and explore how we reclaim rest as a birthright, not something we have to earn. More details will be shared soon, but for now, mark your calendars and start practicing your breath. We'll build from there together.
Rest is not weakness. It's wisdom. It's strategy.
With gratitude and intention,
Adejoke Babatunde & Dr. Joyce Senior
Executive Director & Deputy Director
My Hair My Health PDX
