September 2024

Creating a Black Women-Centered Space: The Velma Carter Centre The Velma Carter Centre is a community organization that is dedicated to empowering Black Women to achieve their full potential. We believe that every Black Woman deserves to be celebrated and supported in her journey towards success. Our mission is to create a safe, nurturing environment where Black Women can thrive, learn, and grow. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to provide the resources and tools that Black Women need to succeed in all areas of their lives. What Does “Black Women-Centered” Mean? “Black Women-Centered” at the Velma Carter Centre means that our entire organization is dedicated to centering the needs, experiences, and voices of Black Women. This focus is intentional and comprehensive, ensuring that every aspect of our space, programs, and initiatives is tailored specifically to address the unique challenges and obstacles faced by Black Women. In practical terms, this dedication translates into a multitude of actions and initiatives. It means that our resources, whether they be educational programs, support services, or advocacy efforts, are designed with Black Women in mind. We understand that the challenges they face are multifaceted and intersect with issues of race, gender, and class, so our approach is holistic and inclusive. Creating a Black Women-Centered space means fostering an environment where Black Women feel safe, valued, and respected. It’s about providing not just support, but also opportunities for community engagement and empowerment. Whether it’s through workshops, networking events, or simply providing a welcoming space for conversation and connection, we strive to empower Black Women to thrive and succeed on their own terms. Ultimately, being Black Women-Centered means recognizing the unique strengths, resilience, and beauty of Black Women, while also acknowledging and addressing the systemic barriers and injustices they face. It’s about creating a space where Black Women can come together to support one another, celebrate their achievements, and work towards a future where they are truly valued and respected in every aspect of society Let’s break it down. Safety and Protection The statement “We create a space where Black Women feel safe, heard, and respected” speaks to the importance of providing a supportive environment where all individuals feel valued, heard and appreciated. In this particular context, the focus is on Black Women who often face unique challenges and experiences that require a space where they can feel understood and validated. A place where they can share their stories and connect with others who have similar experiences. It’s essential to acknowledge that creating such a space requires intention, effort, and an understanding of the issues that Black Women face.  Ultimately, this space serves as a refuge from the noise and chaos of the world, where Black Women can feel seen, heard, and respected. Self-Love and Vision The Velma Carter Centre advocates for self-love among Black Women. Often, Black Women are the backbone of their communities, providing support, guidance, and leadership. However, it is important to recognize that they too need care, compassion, and love for themselves.    The Velma Carter Centre envisions a world where Black Women’s dreams and aspirations are not only acknowledged but actively supported. Through their work, they aim to empower Black Women to prioritize their well-being and self-love, and to create a space where they can thrive and achieve their full potential. Community and Solidarity The Velma Carter Centre is a community that is dedicated to empowering Black Women. We believe that the power of community and solidarity among Black Women is invaluable. Our physical space is a place where Black Women can come together and connect, share stories, and support each other in a safe and welcoming environment. However, we also recognize that in today’s digital age, it is important to extend our support network to our digital platforms.    We have a strong presence on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and our blog, where we share inspiring stories, and provide valuable resources on various topics. Our newsletters keep our community informed about upcoming events and opportunities for involvement. We are committed to amplifying voices, advocating for change, and empowering Black Women to thrive, both online and offline. Education and Empowerment Knowledge is the key to empowerment, and we believe in providing Black Women with the necessary tools and resources to succeed in their personal and professional lives. Our educational programs and workshops are tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of Black Women, covering a wide range of topics such as generational wealth, career development, and mental health awareness. Our aim is to support Black Women by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their goals. Health and Wellness Black Women’s health and wellness are paramount. We provide access to resources and services that prioritize holistic well-being, including physical, mental, and emotional health. Mentally and emotionally, we recognize the importance of nurturing mental wellness and emotional resilience. We offer resources focused on stress management, self-care practices, and coping strategies. Through these resources, we aim to create a supportive environment where Black Women feel empowered to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, we understand the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health and the impact that social determinants such as racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic factors can have on overall well-being. That’s why we also advocate for policies and initiatives that address these systemic barriers and promote health equity for Black Women. In essence, our commitment to Black Women’s health and wellness goes beyond just addressing individual symptoms or ailments. We strive to create a holistic framework that supports Black Women in achieving and maintaining optimal health in all aspects of their lives. Final Thoughts The Velma Carter Centre is more than just a physical space—it’s a vibrant community where Black Women come together to uplift, inspire, and empower one another. Through our social media pages, blog posts, newsletters, and virtual events, we strive to create a world where every Black Woman feels valued, respected, and empowered to pursue her dreams and aspirations. Join us as we

Unseen and Unheard: How “Weathering” Impacts Black Women’s Health The Hidden Toll of Racial Discrimination As we observe Gender Equality Week, it’s crucial to address a critical issue that often goes unnoticed: the accelerated aging and disproportionate health risks Black Women face due to “weathering.” This concept, rooted in the ongoing stress of racial discrimination, shows that Black Women’s bodies bear the toll of a lifetime of social injustice, leading to earlier onset of diseases like heart conditions and diabetes. The Gap in Research Research has long excluded Black Women, distorting the data that informs medical treatments and interventions. The 1994 SWAN study is one such example. The study focused on evaluating the health of middle-aged women; however, it overlooked the inclusion of many Black women who had experienced early menopause. This omission resulted in a gap in understanding how race-based stressors, like discrimination, contribute to premature aging among this demographic.         New Findings on Chronic Diseases Dr. Alexis Reeves’ most recent study has revisited previous findings and concluded that Black and Hispanic women tend to develop chronic diseases at a significantly earlier age than previously estimated. The research found that conditions such as heart disease can manifest up to five years earlier in Black Women. This highlights the pressing need for researchers to take into account the concept of “weathering” in their studies on chronic diseases among women of colour. The Impact of Exclusion This exclusion is not only harmful but perpetuates health inequalities. Allostatic load—the measure of the body’s stress response—shows that by age 45, half of Black women experience the burden of chronic stress, with the number increasing to over 80% by age 64. It’s important to address these issues and work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity. Advocacy for Inclusive Research At the Velma Carter Centre, we are committed to advocating for inclusive research that factors in the lived experiences of Black Women. Without their inclusion, studies will continue to miss the full picture, offering inaccurate health advice that fails to serve women of colour. Let’s use Gender Equality Week as a moment to recognize the disparities in healthcare and demand better. We must ensure that research reflects the real, diverse experiences of all women, especially those most affected by inequality.  

A Healing-Centered Approach: Nurturing Collective Well-Being The Velma Carter Centre is an organization that has been established to address the challenges that Black Women face in today’s fast-paced world. There is no denying that stress and trauma are a part of many people’s lives, and we believe that our centre can be a symbol of hope and transformation amidst all the chaos.  At the Velma Carter Centre, we are committed to promoting healing, which extends beyond individual experiences and encompasses the collective. We understand that healing is a process that involves not just the person, but also their surroundings, and hence, our approach aims to weave together various aspects such as culture, spirituality, civic action, and community engagement. We believe that by doing so, we can create a more supportive environment that fosters growth and transformation, both at an individual and collective level. We are dedicated to providing a safe space for Black Women to heal and grow, and we believe that our efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of many. Understanding Healing-Centered Approaches Holistic Perspective A healing-centered approach recognizes that healing is not just about addressing physical ailments or mental distress. It encompasses the whole person—their mind, body, spirit, and community. By embracing cultural practices, rituals, and traditions, we honour the interconnectedness of all aspects of well-being. Trauma as a Collective Experience Trauma affects not only the individual but also the fabric of society. When we view trauma through a collective lens, we see patterns emerge—historical trauma, systemic oppression, and shared pain. Healing becomes a communal endeavor, where we acknowledge the wounds of the past and work toward restoration. Shifting the Question Traditional trauma-informed care often asks, “What happened to you?” While this question is essential, a healing-centered approach expands our inquiry. We ask, “What’s right with you?” By focusing on strengths, resilience, and agency, we empower individuals to co-create their well-being narratives. Agents of Their Own Healing We recognize that those exposed to trauma are not mere victims. They are agents of their own healing. By fostering self-determination, we encourage individuals to reclaim their power, rewrite their stories, and contribute to the healing of their communities. Spirituality as a Path to Healing Spirituality can provide a source of comfort, guidance, and strength during challenging times. We recognize the importance of spirituality in the healing process and offer spiritual support services tailored to the needs of Black Women. Whether through prayer, meditation, or reflection, we encourage individuals to explore their spiritual beliefs and practices as a means of finding peace, solace, and inner harmony. By integrating spirituality into our healing-centered approach, we provide holistic support that addresses the spiritual dimensions of well-being. Advocacy and Social Justice Healing is not just an individual journey—it is also a collective responsibility. We are committed to advocating for social justice and addressing the systemic injustices that disproportionately impact Black Women. By amplifying the voices of Black Women and advocating for change, we strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and flourish. Education and Empowerment Knowledge is power. We believe in empowering individuals through education and information. Through workshops, educational content and our programs, we provide Black Women with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to navigate life’s challenges, advocate for themselves, and make informed decisions about their health and well-being. By equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge to advocate for themselves and their communities, we empower them to take control of their lives and create positive change. Building Bridges Across Communities Healing has no boundaries. We are dedicated to building connections between communities. We strongly believe in the power of solidarity, allyship, and collaboration in promoting healing and driving social change. By partnering with community organizations, businesses, and institutions, we aim to foster cooperation and collaboration to address common challenges and enhance collective well-being. Through coming together across all differences, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society where everyone has the chance to thrive. Ubuntu: The Essence of Healing The concept of Ubuntu is deeply rooted in the South African philosophy and culture. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of our relationships with one another.    According to Ubuntu, we find healing and fulfillment through collective engagement, empathy, and service to others. This philosophy teaches us that our own well-being is inseparable from the well-being of our neighbours and community. Therefore, we must strive to promote the common good and work towards a more just and equitable society for all. In essence, Ubuntu encourages us to embrace our shared humanity and work together to build a better world.   The philosophy of Ubuntu is also embraced in other parts of Africa and the Diaspora. Despite all odds, Ubuntu still resides in many of our hearts. Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey of Healing As we conclude this exploration of healing-centered approaches and the transformative power of collective well-being, we invite you to reflect on the journey ahead. Healing is not a destination but a continuous process—a journey of self-discovery, growth, and resilience. At the Velma Carter Centre, we are committed to walking alongside you on this path, offering support, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. Love and power, Velma Carter Centre Team