I am white. I am privileged. This post does not serve to speak over rather to engage with the black community. It is simply here to raise awareness as the increasing popularity of wellness in society lacks inclusion and accessibility to every culture, every race, and every social class. The racial disparities in this world are baffling and it’s unacceptable for anyone to be denied a good life, let alone good health, simply because of the color of their skin. It has taken over the news, it has swarmed social media, and it has now been taken to the streets with protests and anger, rightfully so.

The conversation around racism needs to continue to happen. I can’t speak for every industry, but I can speak to what I know. The health and wellness industry strongly favors the white community, leaving those of color without a voice or a place to be seen. This needs to change. Understanding race and wellness as it is today will allow for there to be a change. This will help everyone take action on improving the industry and allowing it to be more inclusive to all.

Unequal Barriers

There are unequal barriers that lead to a predominately white health industry. There is an overwhelmingly large amount of white physicians in the U.S.; 56.2% compared to the 5% of black physicians. Why does this matter? Well, it has been proven that you are more likely to take health cues from doctors who look more like you. Why? Because naturally, if you see someone that is a role model in some way (looks, health, body figure, lifestyle, etc.), you are more likely to respond by striving to resemble them. It is a natural reaction that happens. The lack of black physicians is causing there to be a gap in health for the black community, making it more difficult to find resources and get the help needed.

Furthermore, there is a mistrust between various races. It’s common for a black man or woman to not trust their white counterparts and vice versa due to the racism throughout history. This issue makes it difficult in the health field to be able to provide all necessary information and for there to be proper reception of what is said. Over time, this can change but there needs to be more steps made towards equality overall for trust to be built. The unequal ratio of physicians isn’t present because of the lack of interest in the health community. This issue starts from early on.

The Set Up

The mobility for the black community is low. So often, black communities are born into lower socioeconomic status. This isn’t a choice. It’s not because they are incapable of work or because they don’t care. It’s because of the way they are set up in society. For far too long, the black community has made less money than their white counterpart. In fact, the two could have the exact same resume, same qualifications, same skills, etc. for a job but merely the color of their skin will classify the income level.

Many people’s response: “work harder and you’ll be just like everyone else”.

But, it’s not that easy. The black community has been marginalized for so long that pulling ahead isn’t so simple. Many impoverished areas are filled with black people because they have no other choice. It’s difficult living in a low-income area, attending a low-income school, and barely being able to survive. This environment doesn’t set, anyone, up for success. These communities are the ones that need the most help, yet they receive little government assistance, have challenges getting jobs that pay equally, and struggle to go to higher education schools in order to thrive. The issue isn’t about wanting and striving for more; the issue is about being forced into a society that refuses to step up.

White Wealthy Wellness

Wellness is a dominating topic of this generation. How-to articles are constantly being published on living well but rarely are they ever written for the black female (or male) in mind. The wellness industry thrives on the wealthy white middle-aged women that buy products made for them. The people that “everyone wants to look like” except what about the people who cannot look like them? What about the black community that deserves to be represented just the same? This goes with services, products, brands, all of it.

Black Lives Matter

Black lives matter, therefore black health matters. The wellness movement has not invited women of color in, making them feel unwelcome, insecure, and out of place. This needs to end because black lives not only deserve but have the right to accessible health and wellness just like everyone else. Magazines exclude people of color from their covers, physicians dismiss the concerns of the black community, wellness resources are out of reach, and the overall health and wellness fields cater to everyone; as long as you aren’t black. One of the many issues is the dehumanization of the black community. They are made fun of, disrespected, killed, beaten, blamed, and hurt. It makes it such a challenge to reach out for help because there is no trust, who knows what the response will ever be. This built-up trauma leaves an entire culture without the resources to live long, happy, and healthy lives.

Ebony Holt

This inequality is occurring all over. The black community has been overlooked and dismissed over the years in many ways, health and wellness only being one. I can’t speak for others in their experiences, especially being white. I was able to turn to Ebony Holt to learn and better understand something that I will never face. Leaning into this conversation is important for every physician, health educator, wellness advocate, and overall human. Read below for a genuine and honest conversation with Ebony regarding her stance as a black woman advocating for health and wellness in her community. To learn more about Ebony, follow along on her Instagram @EbonyDHolt.

If/When have you ever felt marginalized for the color of your skin in a health setting?

Yes, I had an ovarian condition known as Endometriosis. It went undiagnosed for years until I saw a black physician that went the extra mile and finally put a name to the pain I was experiencing. 

The wellness industry is overwhelmingly populated by white, middle-aged females. How does this limit or impact the availability of wellness resources to black females seeking wellness in their lives?

It can be difficult to trust results from a company that has no one who looks like you, so the program or product may work, but the lack of diversity can prevent black women from giving it a chance.

In what ways could/should the black community be better represented in the wellness industry? Where is there the most discrimination? 

There can be more black wellness coaches and more opportunities for black men and women to operate in various roles within the wellness industry.  Wellness does not always look like a skinny blonde white woman. Wellness can be a short, curvy black woman. 

How do you feel the black community is represented in magazines and wellness resources? What needs to happen for there to be a positive change and equal representation? 

There is a major lack of black people in magazine and wellness resources and when there is an advertisement, it’s often one that caters to a stereotype like high blood pressure. 

How do recent situations impact your mental health and what can Americans as a whole do to improve these conditions?

The recent events have been very heavy emotionally. The only remedy to stop injustice. 

What response do you have as a black American in the health industry?

 It’s important to recognize that every culture is different. To some being thin is ideal, but to others curves are beautiful. Cater to every body type and make healthy the goal; not skinny. 

Please add any additional comments, stories, concerns, etc. regarding the black community in the health and wellness space.

Many in the black community approach health and wellness in fear due to not receiving fair treatment. There is a fear associated that has to be acknowledged. I believe that the price of these programs is often geared towards a specific audience versus those who may benefit the most from it. The language used, food recommended, and exercise plan does not always appeal to the black community.