Wellness Books By Black Authors to Cozy Up to This Fall
6 Wellness Books By Black Authors to Cozy Up to This Fall

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As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s no better way to cozy up than with a thought-provoking and inspiring read. This season, we invite you to explore a curated selection of Black wellness books that offer a wealth of wisdom, support, and guidance.
From personal narratives that resonate deeply to practical tools for self-care, these works by Black authors provide valuable insights into nurturing your mind, body, and spirit.
1. African American Herbalism: A Practical Guide to Healing Plants and Folk Traditions by Lucretia VanDyke
From Ancient Egypt to the American South, Lucretia VanDyke’s African American Herbalism explores the contributions of African American herbal healers like Emma Dupree and Henrietta Jeffries. It offers a comprehensive guide to commonly used herbs, alongside rituals, recipes, and tinctures. With its stunning botanical illustrations and insightful exploration of Black herbal traditions, African American Herbalism is a valuable resource for those seeking to connect with their roots and harness the healing power of plants.
2. Another Word for Love: A Memoir by Carvell Wallace
Longlisted for the 2024 Kirkus non-fiction prize, Carvell Wallace’s poignant memoir, Another Word for Love, is a transformative exploration of love, loss, and resilience. Through vivid storytelling, Wallace delves into his own experiences, offering a powerful perspective on the complexities of growing up Black and queer in America. His insightful reflections invite readers to contemplate their own journeys and embrace the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
3. Black Pearls: Daily Meditations, Affirmations, and Inspirations for African-Americans by Eric V Copage
Eric V. Copage’s Black Pearls is an oldie but a goodie, offering a daily dose of inspiration and practical guidance for Black people. Featuring a diverse collection of quotes from prominent figures, the book delves into a range of topics, from love and anger to stereotypes and success. Copage’s thoughtful commentary and suggested meditations provide readers with tools to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth and is a valuable resource for those seeking to nourish their minds, bodies, and spirits.
4. Racial Wellness: A Guide to Liberatory Healing for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah
Racial Wellness by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah offers a much-needed roadmap for those seeking to navigate the complex intersections of race and wellness. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, insightful analysis, and practical tools, Iyamah invites readers to explore the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions of racial trauma and healing. By shifting the focus from mere survival to thriving, this groundbreaking work empowers BIPOC communities to reclaim their wellness and forge a more just and equitable future.
5. Take Care of Them Like My Own: Faith, Fortitude, and a Surgeon’s Fight for Health Justice by Ala Stanford
In Take Care of Them Like My Own, Dr. Ala Stanford, founder of the Black Doctors Consortium, delivers a powerful memoir that illuminates the devastating racial disparities in healthcare. Through her personal journey, Dr. Stanford offers a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by Black communities and a rallying cry for health justice. She demonstrates the transformative power of community-driven initiatives and the importance of fighting for a healthcare system that truly values the lives of all Americans.
6. Therapy Isn’t Just For White People by Kiara Imani
Kiara Imani’s poignant memoir dismantles the harmful myth that therapy is exclusively for white people. With raw honesty, she reveals the insidious impact of racial trauma on Black mental health, drawing from her own personal experiences and those of her family. She also explores how racialized societal pressures have shaped her self-perception, career, and relationships through a series of deeply resonant essays.
Steph R. Long is a Chopra-certified Ayurvedic health instructor, meditation instructor, and well-being coach. She’s also the founder of holistic wellness and coaching company SRL Well-Being and the former Deputy Director of Enterprise for Refinery29 Unbothered, where she oversaw health, wellness, and spirituality content.
6 Wellness Books By Black Authors to Cozy Up to This Fall was originally published on elev8.com