

Black women have been redefining what wellness looks like since the beginning of time. (I even have a real-life, sassy, still-walking-signifying-driving-gardening example of this via my own 92-year-old Granny, who is the epitome of manifestation and self-preservation, as she has always defined wellness on her own terms.) We continue to shift the narrative, especially when it comes to what "wellness" actually means as a Black woman in a world where it can be so hard to simply exist in fullness.
There are many key voices that have not only solidly, boldly, and intelligently challenge stereotypical and sometimes toxic "norms" of protecting one's peace and maintaining great physical, mental, and spiritual health, and cultivating ideas, methods, and communities that cater to our unique needs. Here are a few you should check out on social and beyond:
Ashlee Wisdom and Eddwina Bright
This duo's digital portal, Health In Her Hue, goes beyond just being a healthcare provider directory for Black and brown women to being a robust resource on topics including reproduction and heart health, LGBTQAI+ inclusivity, and mental wellness via a community of advocates pushing for access and exposure to culturally competent care providers.
Britney Victoria Alston
Britney Victoria Alston is a plant-based chef trained at London's elite Le Cordon Bleu, and while vegan eating is far from a new concept, Britney is leading the charge for a new generation to explore journeys toward wellness in a way that is inclusive and relatable. Through education and recipes, she's using her faith-based platform, The Holistic Fox, to enlighten and empower.
Lalah Delia
Lalah Delia is giving power in peace and balance through her podcast, book, and social platforms. The author, educator, and School of VIbrations founder is representing for sistas in wellness lovely, as seen via herrecent work with Deepak Chopra's app, as well as her own uber-successful wellness platforms on social and IRL.
Imani Tutt
Can't have a list about women in wellness without including someone who tackles matters of the heart. Imani Tutt, a licensed marriage and family therapist, covers issues related to intimacy, heartbreak, and "soul-centered" explorations of both love of self and others, overseeing a private community that provides a safe space to venture.
Dr. Ebony
What's intriguing and noteworthy about this psychologist's work is that there's a focus on trauma recovery, particularly issues related to PTSD and identity, and food relationships, tapping into the mental aspects associated with eating habits and choices. Dr. Ebony is also the creator of My Therapy Cards, a tool that allows users to ask self-exploratory questions to reach their life goals.
Dr. Ala Stanford
A board-certified adult and pediatric surgeon, Dr. Ala Stanford is one of the leading voices on the disparity minorities face related to COVID-19 prevention and treatment. She's also one of President Joe Biden's regional director appointees for the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services and is a featured expert in the Oprah-led documentary, The Color of Care. As a health justice advocate, she's helping to keep the issues of the pandemic—which is definitely not over, especially in terms of the negative impact on Black and brown communities—at the forefront. Talk about taking up space, being a thought leader, and using one's voice for the greater good. Major boss moves, indeed.
Jessamyn Stanley
Jessamyn Stanley has been unapologetically making yoga and fitness more inclusive for several years now. And today, we're seeing more of the now-author and podcast host who further flourishes in front of cameras for brands including Ivy Park, Gatorade, and Target, just to name a few. She reminds us all that the foundation of wellness is strengthened by confidence, authenticity, and self-love.
Dr. Kera Nyemb-Diop
Dispelling myths about food choices while empowering Black and brown women, this trained nutritionist is redefining what healthy eating truly means. Dr. Kera Nyemb-Diop pulls very few punches when it comes to giving the real on the intersectionality of culture and cuisine and what nourishing ourselves really means.
Dr. Janelle Howell
Not to seem biased but the greatness started with the first name. Ha! And anybody combining the use of the word "coochie" with raw but real insights about sex, reproductive and vaginal health—and has the knowledge and training in women's health physical therapy to back it all up—is certainly a winner in the wellness education department. From debunking popular ideas about the benefits of vaginal "washes" to informing her thousands of IG followers about the true makeup of the clitoris, Dr. Janelle Howell is making sure we all remember that responsible conversations about wellness indeed include sex and pleasure advocacy (as they should.)
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Getty Images
- Black Men Mental Health Advocates - xoNecole: Women's Interest ... ›
- The First Time I Tried Acupuncture - xoNecole: Women's Interest ... ›
- Black Women Mental Health Pandemic Fatigue - xoNecole ... ›
- Top Wellness Habits of Successful Black Women - xoNecole: Lifestyle, Culture, Love, & Wellness ›
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
Swipe Right For Sisterhood: Reginae Carter Talks Teaming Up With BLK To Make Friendships Front & Center
You know the vibes: dating apps aren’t just for finding romance anymore—at least not for Gen Z! As young people continue to redefine connection, BLK, the leading dating app for Black singles, is shaking things up with the launch of Social Mode. The new feature allows users to toggle between dating and platonic connections. Yep, you read that right—friendship is now just as easy to find as love.
To kick off this game-changing launch, BLK teamed up with TV personality and socialite Reginae Carter for the ultimate Girls’ Night In, proving that sisterhood is just as important as romance. The exclusive event was a celebration of the new feature and the power of Black women coming together to uplift one another.
“Your circle is everything,” Reginae shares with a smile, and she’s not wrong. She’s all about creating spaces where we can come together, let our hair down, and vibe with like-minded women. “We deserve spaces to meet, uplift, and vibe with each other. BLK is making that happen,” she adds.
A New Era for Friendships—Social Mode Is Here!
Gen Z is all about building meaningful connections, whether it’s with a date or a new brunch buddy. That’s why Social Mode is such a big deal. Research shows that 65% of Gen Z values friendships just as much as romantic relationships. With BLK’s new feature, users can easily toggle between “Dating” and “Social,” opening up a world of platonic connections—no swiping right required.
Bahja Rodriguez, Reginae Carter, Breaunna Womack, Lourdes Rodriguez and Zonnique Pullins attend OMG Girlz "Make A Scene" Single Release & Video Viewing Party at Trap City Cafe on March 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia
Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage
Reginae Carter Hosts the Ultimate Girls’ Night In—Powered by BLK Social Mode
What better way to show Social Mode in action than with an exclusive Girls’ Night In, hosted by Reginae? The event brought together top influencers, tastemakers, and press for a night of luxury, self-care, and real talk about love, sex, and relationships. From tarot readings to perfume-making and signature cocktails, the evening embodied the “soft life” vibe that many Black women are embracing in 2025—peaceful, intentional, and full of joy.
Guests mingled, laughed, and bonded over the importance of finding a tribe that supports you. It wasn’t just about fun (although there was plenty of that!)—it was about creating a circle of inspiring, strong women. “We need to stick together. We need to be each other’s village,” Reginae says, emphasizing the power of community over competition.
Sisterhood: The Real MVP
For Reginae, it’s all about friendship—and not just the surface-level kind. “We need friends who keep it real with us. The ones who can tell us when we’re right, when we’re wrong, and when we need to calm down,” she says. As someone who navigates the spotlight, she’s got the best of both worlds: friends who understand the grind and those who can give her an honest, grounded perspective.
Her advice for building strong, intentional friendships? “Be confident in yourself and know your worth,” she explains. “Also, hurt people hurt people, so make sure you’re coming from a good place when you’re building relationships. It’s not always about being nice—sometimes it’s about being real.”
Reginae couldn’t have summed it up better: “When you have the right circle, the right tribe, everything just feels easier. And that’s exactly what BLK is giving us—space to connect, laugh, and grow with each other.”
To learn more about BLK’s Social Mode, download or update the BLK app in the App Store or Google Play Store today. Who knows? You might just find your new bestie or your next brunch crew.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Prince Williams/WireImage