For decades, Black women have faced barriers to swimming. Much of this stems from historical segregation across swimming spaces, cultural myths about bodies of water, and a lack of access to swim instruction in Black communities. For many Black women, the added challenge of hair maintenance—given chlorine damage and ill-fitting swim caps—has made the water feel even more unwelcoming. In fact, nearly 70% of Black adult women have little or no swimming ability. Tragically, this contributes to the reality that Black individuals are five times more likely to drown than their white peers.

But the tide is turning. To discuss the ways in which Black women are reclaiming their spaces in the water, we are in conversation with Dr. Dawn Norwood. She is an associate professor and interim department chair at Queens University of Charlotte in the Department of Health and Human Performance.

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Mindfulness has long been celebrated for its ability to reduce stress, improve emotional balance, and support overall mental well-being. But while its benefits are well-documented, traditional mindfulness practices often fail to address the cultural realities, lived experiences, and systemic challenges that uniquely impact Black communities. Enter Blackfullness—a groundbreaking mindfulness app designed with intention and cultural relevance, Blackfullness offers a space for Black individuals to reclaim rest, stillness, and self-awareness in ways that feel authentic and affirming. By centering the Black experience, Blackfullness bridges the gap between traditional mindfulness and true, culturally responsive healing.

This episode features the founder of Blackfullness- Dr. Natalie Watson-Singleton. A licensed clinical psychologist, she is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Spelman College; and the Diversity and Inclusion Education Director with the Nia Project at Emory University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

For more information ⁠click here⁠.

It’s no secret that Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. Factors like implicit bias in medical settings, and social determinants of health contribute to this disparity. However, there’s an often untold part of this story- the importance of involving men in maternal health.

Fathers can play a crucial role in supporting Black women by advocating for their access to quality healthcare, assisting in navigating the frequently disjointed healthcare system, and challenging any biases that may occur. Unfortunately, conversations about maternal health are often isolated, and fathers might feel it’s not their role or lack the skills and knowledge to manage these emotionally charged areas.

In today’s episode, we’ll be exploring how fathers can be key advocates for maternal health with Dr. Valerie Newsome Garcia, Director of Programs and Grants for 4Kira4Moms.

For more information click here.