Letting Go of Superwoman: Self-Care for Women of Color
with Maiya Lanae Evans
In her 1988 memoir, A Burst of Light, Audrey Lorde wrote, “caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” This presentation will uncover the unique health challenges that women of color experience, look at how the “superwoman” mentality can be harmful to their health, and discover ways to expand the conversation around mental health.
Maiya Lanae is a health educator, entrepreneur, and consultant. She currently teaches courses in public and holistic health at San Francisco State University and Skyline College, and is a 2020-2021 EPIC fellow at Stanford University. In addition, Maiya is a lead facilitator for the anti-racism organization, The Mosaic Project. She also hosts a health and wellness podcast called The Hey Girl Health Show, which focuses on health and wellness issues that impact women of color and their communities.
heygirlhealth.com
IG: @heygirlhealth
heygirlhealth@gmail.com
Click here to take the class
heygirlhealth.com
IG: @heygirlhealth
heygirlhealth@gmail.com
Letting Go of Superwoman: Self-Care for Women of Color
with Maiya Lanae Evans
In her 1988 memoir, A Burst of Light, Audrey Lorde wrote, “caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” This presentation will uncover the unique health challenges that women of color experience, look at how the “superwoman” mentality can be harmful to their health, and discover ways to expand the conversation around mental health.
Maiya Lanae is a health educator, entrepreneur, and consultant. She currently teaches courses in public and holistic health at San Francisco State University and Skyline College, and is a 2020-2021 EPIC fellow at Stanford University. In addition, Maiya is a lead facilitator for the anti-racism organization, The Mosaic Project. She also hosts a health and wellness podcast called The Hey Girl Health Show, which focuses on health and wellness issues that impact women of color and their communities.
heygirlhealth.com
IG: @heygirlhealth
heygirlhealth@gmail.com
Click here to take the class
heygirlhealth.com
IG: @heygirlhealth
heygirlhealth@gmail.com
What is the
Black Health Matters Initiative?
Black Health Matters Initiative promotes equity through a network of community trust, advocacy, and collaboration to improve the quality of life for Black residents in SC County.
COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting Black communities all over the country. The same is true right here in Santa Cruz County. To this end, TWDCC has teamed up with County Park Friends to bring COVID- safe, TWDCC “click and mortar” classes, cultural programs and health resources to county park spaces. We have partnered with an advisory group of local organizations; the NAACP local SC chapter, United Way of SC County, Blended Bridges, and the SCC Black Coalition for Racial Justice and Equity to help guide our work and reach our community countywide.
We lead this effort through the arts and culture, which speak to the tradition of gathering, of sharing, and our human need to have fresh air, community, and joy at the heart of a healthy life. In addition to being high-risk for COVID-19 infection, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports serious and negative effects “across different areas of [Black] people’s lives, including...with household finances, jobs, health care, housing, transportation, caregiving, and well-being.”
TWDCC’s Black Health Matters Initiative focuses needed attention and community partnership to address the social determinants of health in our local Black community. Inviting folks outside into our beautiful county parks, with COVID-safe models, can be done. "What better way to support the community than through art-based, healthy activities together in the park?” says Cat Willis, Executive Director of the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center (TWDCC).
“Our Parks and public spaces offer a canvas for COVID-safe health and healing during this difficult time. Together we can forge a future for our new normal that centers equity and builds from strength,” adds Mariah Roberts, Executive Director of County Park Friends.
Although this initiative is just beginning, establishing an ongoing arts and health driven platform of services and resources for Black SC families to access throughout the pandemic is our priority. We know that the work that we do to support families and individuals who are most vulnerable strengthens all of us and ensures our whole community is not just surviving, but thriving.
We lead this effort through the arts and culture, which speak to the tradition of gathering, of sharing, and our human need to have fresh air, community, and joy at the heart of a healthy life. In addition to being high-risk for COVID-19 infection, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports serious and negative effects “across different areas of [Black] people’s lives, including...with household finances, jobs, health care, housing, transportation, caregiving, and well-being.”
TWDCC’s Black Health Matters Initiative focuses needed attention and community partnership to address the social determinants of health in our local Black community. Inviting folks outside into our beautiful county parks, with COVID-safe models, can be done. "What better way to support the community than through art-based, healthy activities together in the park?” says Cat Willis, Executive Director of the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center (TWDCC).
“Our Parks and public spaces offer a canvas for COVID-safe health and healing during this difficult time. Together we can forge a future for our new normal that centers equity and builds from strength,” adds Mariah Roberts, Executive Director of County Park Friends.
Although this initiative is just beginning, establishing an ongoing arts and health driven platform of services and resources for Black SC families to access throughout the pandemic is our priority. We know that the work that we do to support families and individuals who are most vulnerable strengthens all of us and ensures our whole community is not just surviving, but thriving.
BHM Community
Assessment Project
Black Health Matters Initiative Call to Action: Survey Participation
Black Health Matters Initiative facilitates an arts and health driven platform of services and resources for Black SC families to access throughout the pandemic.
One factor that we have yet to touch on however, is the parallel goal of gathering information and feedback from the community to fill the gap‘s that are abundant in county data. Did you know that the Black community in Santa Cruz County was recently classified as "Other" in census reports? Based on the small population of Black and mixed families in SCC, the data collected to represent the realities and needs of the community is simply not enough. To this end, the Initiative is working in partnership with United Way SCC to conduct a community assessment that will examine the quality of life for African Americans in Santa Cruz County.
We ask that you join us in our efforts to address the impacts of COVID-19 on the Black Community by participating in the first survey of the assessment. The survey link is listed below. For your participation, your email will be included in a raffle to win 1 of 10 $50 Visa cash cards. Winners will be announced via direct contact in the coming weeks.
Plus One Campaign! This email is our soft/internal launch of the community assessment project. We go live tomorrow on our website and will have a link for public access. In an effort to gather as much data as we can during the assessment period, we ask that all participants join us in our plus one campaign - please invite, share, and spread the link within your circles and help us reach twice as many community members.
In Community,
The Black Health Matters Advisory Team
Take the survey HERE
One factor that we have yet to touch on however, is the parallel goal of gathering information and feedback from the community to fill the gap‘s that are abundant in county data. Did you know that the Black community in Santa Cruz County was recently classified as "Other" in census reports? Based on the small population of Black and mixed families in SCC, the data collected to represent the realities and needs of the community is simply not enough. To this end, the Initiative is working in partnership with United Way SCC to conduct a community assessment that will examine the quality of life for African Americans in Santa Cruz County.
We ask that you join us in our efforts to address the impacts of COVID-19 on the Black Community by participating in the first survey of the assessment. The survey link is listed below. For your participation, your email will be included in a raffle to win 1 of 10 $50 Visa cash cards. Winners will be announced via direct contact in the coming weeks.
Plus One Campaign! This email is our soft/internal launch of the community assessment project. We go live tomorrow on our website and will have a link for public access. In an effort to gather as much data as we can during the assessment period, we ask that all participants join us in our plus one campaign - please invite, share, and spread the link within your circles and help us reach twice as many community members.
In Community,
The Black Health Matters Advisory Team
Making the Invisible Visible
Santa Cruz County Black/ African American Health Snapshot
The BHM Initiative is proud to partner with United Way, Community Assessment Project on this critical centering of Black/African American experience of Santa Cruz County. We are thrilled at this next step in our work for the community and at the opportunity to partner with Applied Survey Research to push the impact of the initiative to the next level.
A huge thank you to all of our partners and advisors that have been vital in the process.
Click here to read the full A huge thank you to all of our partners and advisors that have been vital in the process.
Community Highlight Report
What is the
Black Health Matters Initiative?
COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting Black communities all over the country. The same is true right here in Santa Cruz County. To this end, TWDCC has teamed up with County Park Friends to bring COVID- safe, TWDCC “click and mortar” classes, cultural programs and health resources to county park spaces. We have partnered with an advisory group of local organizations; the NAACP local SC chapter, United Way of SC County, Blended Bridges, and the SCC Black Coalition for Racial Justice and Equity to help guide our work and reach our community countywide.
We lead this effort through the arts and culture, which speak to the tradition of gathering, of sharing, and our human need to have fresh air, community, and joy at the heart of a healthy life. In addition to being high-risk for COVID-19 infection, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports serious and negative effects “across different areas of [Black] people’s lives, including...with household finances, jobs, health care, housing, transportation, caregiving, and well-being.”
TWDCC’s Black Health Matters Initiative focuses needed attention and community partnership to address the social determinants of health in our local Black community. Inviting folks outside into our beautiful county parks, with COVID-safe models, can be done. "What better way to support the community than through art-based, healthy activities together in the park?” says Cat Willis, Executive Director of the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center (TWDCC).
“Our Parks and public spaces offer a canvas for COVID-safe health and healing during this difficult time. Together we can forge a future for our new normal that centers equity and builds from strength,” adds Mariah Roberts, Executive Director of County Park Friends.
Although this initiative is just beginning, establishing an ongoing arts and health driven platform of services and resources for Black SC families to access throughout the pandemic is our priority. We know that the work that we do to support families and individuals who are most vulnerable strengthens all of us and ensures our whole community is not just surviving, but thriving.
We lead this effort through the arts and culture, which speak to the tradition of gathering, of sharing, and our human need to have fresh air, community, and joy at the heart of a healthy life. In addition to being high-risk for COVID-19 infection, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports serious and negative effects “across different areas of [Black] people’s lives, including...with household finances, jobs, health care, housing, transportation, caregiving, and well-being.”
TWDCC’s Black Health Matters Initiative focuses needed attention and community partnership to address the social determinants of health in our local Black community. Inviting folks outside into our beautiful county parks, with COVID-safe models, can be done. "What better way to support the community than through art-based, healthy activities together in the park?” says Cat Willis, Executive Director of the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center (TWDCC).
“Our Parks and public spaces offer a canvas for COVID-safe health and healing during this difficult time. Together we can forge a future for our new normal that centers equity and builds from strength,” adds Mariah Roberts, Executive Director of County Park Friends.
Although this initiative is just beginning, establishing an ongoing arts and health driven platform of services and resources for Black SC families to access throughout the pandemic is our priority. We know that the work that we do to support families and individuals who are most vulnerable strengthens all of us and ensures our whole community is not just surviving, but thriving.
BHM
Community Assessment Project
Black Health Matters Initiative Call to Action: Survey Participation
As attendees and supporters of the Black Health Matters Initiative, you are aware of the leading mission of the work: to facilitate an arts and health driven platform of services and resources for Black SC families to access throughout the pandemic.
One factor that we have yet to touch on however, is the parallel goal of gathering information and feedback from the community to fill the gap‘s that are abundant in county data. Did you know that the Black community in Santa Cruz County was recently classified as "Other" in census reports? Based on the small population of Black and mixed families in SCC, the data collected to represent the realities and needs of the community is simply not enough. To this end, the Initiative is working in partnership with United Way SCC to conduct a community assessment that will examine the quality of life for African Americans in Santa Cruz County.
We ask that you join us in our efforts to address the impacts of COVID-19 on the Black Community by participating in the first survey of the assessment. The survey link is listed below.
For your participation, your email will be included in a raffle to win 1 of 10 $50 Visa cash cards. Winners will be announced via direct contact in the coming weeks.
Plus One Campaign! This email is our soft/internal launch of the community assessment project. We go live tomorrow on our website and will have a link for public access. In an effort to gather as much data as we can during the assessment period, we ask that all participants join us in our plus one campaign - please invite, share, and spread the link within your circles and help us reach twice as many community members.
Thank you for joining the first of our Black Health Matters events and for taking the time to fill out the survey questions. Your support and input is greatly appreciated.
In Community,
The Black Health Matters Advisory Team
Take the survey HERE
One factor that we have yet to touch on however, is the parallel goal of gathering information and feedback from the community to fill the gap‘s that are abundant in county data. Did you know that the Black community in Santa Cruz County was recently classified as "Other" in census reports? Based on the small population of Black and mixed families in SCC, the data collected to represent the realities and needs of the community is simply not enough. To this end, the Initiative is working in partnership with United Way SCC to conduct a community assessment that will examine the quality of life for African Americans in Santa Cruz County.
We ask that you join us in our efforts to address the impacts of COVID-19 on the Black Community by participating in the first survey of the assessment. The survey link is listed below.
For your participation, your email will be included in a raffle to win 1 of 10 $50 Visa cash cards. Winners will be announced via direct contact in the coming weeks.
Plus One Campaign! This email is our soft/internal launch of the community assessment project. We go live tomorrow on our website and will have a link for public access. In an effort to gather as much data as we can during the assessment period, we ask that all participants join us in our plus one campaign - please invite, share, and spread the link within your circles and help us reach twice as many community members.
Thank you for joining the first of our Black Health Matters events and for taking the time to fill out the survey questions. Your support and input is greatly appreciated.
In Community,
The Black Health Matters Advisory Team
Making the Invisible Visible
Santa Cruz County Black/ African American Health Snapshot
The BHM Initiative is proud to partner with United Way, Community Assessment Project on this critical centering of Black/African American experience of Santa Cruz County. We are thrilled at this next step in our work for the community and at the opportunity to partner with Applied Survey Research to push the impact of the initiative to the next level.
A huge thank you to all of our partners and advisors that have been vital in the process.
Click here to read the full A huge thank you to all of our partners and advisors that have been vital in the process.
Community Highlight Report
From our BHM Advisory partners, NAACP, please spread the word for MLK Day Virtual events and our Santa Cruz County Youth!
Previous
Next
BHM Happenings
December
Postponed until further notice:
In an effort to hold to our community, to protect each other and ourselves,
we are pivoting to an online format for upcoming Pop-Up classes.
Santa Cruz County entered the purple tier of COVID restriction, so we are staying ahead of the curve by staying home,
while providing engaging, healthful content for you to stay at home too.
Past
October 17th:
Self-Care Saturday!
We hosted socially-distanced classes and workshops outdoors at Chanticleer Park, including a Wellness Workshop, Soca/Zumba Class, and Afternoon Guided Hike. View the Nutrition & Wellness livestream to the right!
October 24th:
Virtual Family BBQ
We hosted a drive-thru BBQ boxed lunch pickup at Brommer Street Park, and a Virtual Perforamance broadcast from the TWDCC Virtual Theater Studio, celebrating local talent including Afro Samba Soul, Tammi Brown, DJ Sparkle (Sonja Brunner), and more.
Food graciously provided by Lakia Queen Kia Alkebulan, Bobby Bishop of Bobby’s Can Cooking, and Sweet Bean Bakery.
November 7th:
Soca/Zumba with Eugenia Rice
VIRTUAL Soca/Zumba class w/ Eugenia Rice
No experience necessary, open to all ages.
November 14th:
Sunset Surf with Bella Bonner, founder of Black Surf Club Santa Cruz
Sanitized surf boards and wetsuits were provided. Participants met at 38th Ave. beach, AKA 38th stairs.
Feel free to reach out to BSCSC if you would feel more comfortable with a 1×1 surf lesson at blacksurfclubsc@gmail.com.
November 28th: #StayingHome4TheHolidays with Tammi Brown
Tammi Brown and guitarist Dylan Rose play feel-good music for you to groove to at home.
December 5th:
Nutrition In the Time of COVID with Jocelyn Dubin, MS, RD
We’ve all heard the stats. Black folks are more likely to contract COVID-19. We are also 2.3 times more likely to succumb to the disease than White folks. Rather than live in fear, we can use the power of our plates to boost our immunity. In this nutrition presentation, registered dietitian Jocelyn Dubin will teach you how to incorporate specific foods and beverages in your meals and snacks to boost your body’s defenses and decrease the risk of contracting COVID-19. By the end of this nutrition video, you will know how to eat for empowerment! This workshop will be held via Zoom through the button below! Everyone is welcome to attend this class
December 12th:
Vocal Sound Healing and Meditation with Sarah Cruse
Sarah Cruse hosted a 45 minute Vocal Sound Healing and Meditation, with 15 minutes at the end for sharing and a Q&A, geared for all genders, and anyone old enough to sit still.
December 12th:
Soca/Zumba with Eugenia Rice
No experience necessary, open to all ages.
Eugenia Rice is a dance instructor and she hails from the beautiful island of Barbados, British West Indies. In this Soca/Zumba session, Eugenia will teach you the different rhythms featured around the Caribbean and the rest of the globe. This class is guaranteed to make you, dance, laugh, sweat, and leave you with a feeling of love and contentment, despite this COVID-19 and adverse times.
December 19th:
Virtual Holiday Kick-Off!
The Holiday season is in full swing and Winter Break is right around the corner! Join us for our virtual BHM Holiday Kick-Off and enjoy a stellar line up of performances. From dance, gospel, a moment of meditation and music sets, to the DJ dance after party - this lineup is 🙌🏾
We know this season of celebration is going to look different for all as we stay home and distance in our collective efforts to flatten the curve. We hope this event will keep us connected and bring your family JOY as you do so!
Donate to support the initiative today
