For this year’s Black History Month theme, we turn our attention to the importance of health and wellness in the Black community, and honor the legacy of Black scholars, medical practitioners, and wellness experts. Each week in February, a new facet of Black health and wellness will be highlighted to showcase Black-owned businesses, organizations, and grassroots efforts whose goal is to lift up the mind, body, spirit, and community of Black people everywhere.

This week’s highlight focuses on the spirit by honoring Black joy, inspiration, and ingenuity. From music, literature, performance art and beyond, these organizations are founded and led by Black creatives across Chicago, and offer a myriad of educational programs, public resources, scholarships, and creative residence programs. These beloved and vital institutions are integral in nourishing the spirit through celebration of the arts, culture and community.

Check back all month long for more upcoming installments in this series on Black health and wellness.

Be sure to follow and support the organizations and resources we have highlighted in this series in addition to staying engaged and educated on Black history and current events all year long.