Women wear many hats and play countless roles in the lives of their families, churches, communities, and workplaces. Sometimes, circumstances push us to go beyond what we thought possible—but we rise to the occasion because we know we must.
When I reflect on my life, my grandmother was a woman who dared. When my grandfather had to flee the South for his safety, she didn’t hesitate to do what was necessary to move their seven children from Texas to California.
After he passed away, she raised not only her nine children but also several grandchildren—including me. On top of all that, she was the go-to person in our community for just about everything.
She played her part in the civil rights movement and opened her door to anyone who needed help.
The California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP) celebrates the legacy of Black women—past and present—who dared to make a difference in their communities. CABWHP believes it is essential that we never forget the sacrifices others have made for our betterment.
This year, the organization will honor such women on my grandmother’s birthday, May 18. The theme is “Rooted in Care and Truth: Nurturing Black Women’s Wellness.” Now more than ever, we must stay rooted in community and care for one another. If we want to uplift and support each other, the truth is that we must prioritize health and wellness—our own and that of our sisters in the fight.
I know this personally. A recent emergency surgery laid me flat on my back for a time. That experience reminded me of the importance of nurturing one another and making our health a priority.
CABWHP’s 2025 Women Who Dared celebration will be anchored in the legacy of Anna Julia Cooper—educator, author and activist—who devoted her life to racial and gender equity. Her groundbreaking work championed the empowerment of Black women through education, advocacy and leadership.
Her belief in the power of Black women’s voices to drive societal change reflects and inspires CABWHP’s mission to support the mental, physical and spiritual wellness of Black women for both individual and collective prosperity.
The California Black Women’s Health Project believes a healthier future is possible when women are empowered to make informed choices in an environment where equity and health justice are community priorities.
When we think of women who dared, we often picture someone who’s been to space or run for president. But we must also honor women making a difference right where we live—pioneers like Lillian Mobley, Brenda Marsh-Mitchell and Mary Henry, to name a few. Each made a profound impact in our communities and neighborhoods.
Think about your own list of women who’ve sacrificed and gone above and beyond to make your world better. Women who didn’t count the cost but only looked forward to the reward of a brighter day for all of us.
This message is especially timely as May is Mental Health Month. CABWHP is on a mission to support not only the overall well-being of Black women but also their mental health.
Singer-songwriter Fantasia has openly shared her battle with depression, which led to a suicide attempt. She credits the nurses who cared for her in the hospital for helping her regain her physical and mental strength.
Fantasia said, “I realized how people end up in the grave, because that one moment of just breaking or feeling like I cannot go on—it is too heavy. That was somewhere I do not ever want to go again.”
She credits those health professionals who dared to help her not give up.
To learn more about the California Black Women’s Health Project and other women who have dared, visit www.cabwhp.org.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author and speaker.
