10 Black Wellness Influencers You Should Be Following

As Glamour magazine declared in a 2022 article, “the importance of Black wellness influencers cannot be overstated.”

It’s no secret that many Black people don’t trust the health care system. From the gynecological experiments that Dr. J. Marion Sims performed on enslaved Black women to the tragedy of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, Black bodies historically have been violated by the medical community. Even today, Black women’s pain is often not taken seriously, which is one of the causes of the horrific Black maternal mortality rate in this country.

But Black wellness influencers help to create a safe haven online and offline for Black people – especially Black women – to prioritize their health and overall well-being.

To be clear, I’m not saying influencers should ever replace seeing a healthcare professional. But influencers who cater to Black women can help arm them with the knowledge they need to fight for the care that they deserve.

Here are some Black influencers in the realms of nutrition, fitness, and mental health who are striving to help us all be better versions of ourselves.

Dr. Kera Nyemb-Diop @black.nutritionist

Dr. Kera Nyemb-Diop a.k.a. The Black Nutritionist wants to help you decolonize your plate. Dr. Kera uses her platform to teach people how they can enjoy foods that celebrate their culture while still taking care of their bodies and without feeling food guilt.

Shana Minei Spence @thenutritiontea

Shana Minei Spence is on a mission to fight fatphobia and free you from diet culture. If you have a complicated relationship with food, following Shana on Instagram and Twitter is sure to be a game changer for you. She’ll help you ditch your diet and problematic terms like “cheat day,” while also raising your awareness about important social issues such as food insecurity.

Dr. Jessica Clemons @askdrjess

Dr. Jessica Clemons is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who has recognized by Forbes as a leader in the mental health and wellness field. She uses social media to share strategies for managing anxiety, coping with stress and much more.

Therapy for Black Girls @therapyforblackgirls

Founded by psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Therapy for Black Girls is an online platform seeking to destigmatize mental-health issues and make mental health care more accessible. The platform offers a variety of resources such as Q&A sessions with experts and deep dives on relevant topics. Therapy for Black Girls can also help you navigate finding in-office and virtual therapy options.

Britteny Floyd-Mayo @trapyogabae

Come for the yoga. Stay for the confidence. Britteny Floyd-Mayo may have made a name for herself with her unique style of trap yoga but she’s also a confidence coach committed to helping people find self-acceptance and set better boundaries so they can have healthier relationships and overall wellness.

Jessamyn Stanley @mynameisjessamyn

For years, Jessamyn Stanley, an internationally acclaimed yoga instructor, has been using her platform to eradicate the notion that yoga is only for people of a certain body type. She’s a best-selling and co-founder of The Underbelly, an inclusive digital wellness experience.

Raven Ross @pilatesbodyraven

If you’re a fan of reality TV, you may recognize Raven Ross from season 3 of the Netflix dating series Love Is Blind. But Raven has much more to offer than relationship drama. She uses her platform to encourage people of all fitness levels to try Pilates And if you just got out of a relationship and you’re working on your revenge body, she’ll help with that too. Join her on YouTube for some free at-home Pilates routines!

Tricia Hersey @thenapministry

Sometimes, I stand in the mirror, look at myself and say, “Girl, take a nap!” If you need someone to remind you that sometimes rest is the best medicine, Tricia Hersey is the wellness influencer for you.

Through her platform The Nap Ministry, which she founded in 2016, Tricia preaches the gospel of the liberating power of rest. Tricia, a poet and performance artist, speaks out on sleep deprivation as a racial and social issue and offers strategies and education on restorative rest as well as tools for healing and coping with grief. And be sure to check out her bestselling book Rest is Resistance.

Jaurdane Ivory @j_ivory

Jaurdane Ivory is the undisputed affirmations queen. Seven days a week she uses her Instagram to share affirmations to uplift your spirits and help you manage your mindset. She’s also set to release a 90-day journal titled Everyday Affirmations that’s designed to guide you through a journey of self-love and self-discovery.

Tabitha Brown @iamtabithabrown

This list would not be complete without Auntie Tab! She’s not only your go-to for easy vegan recipes. She’s always serving up the encouragement you need to keep living your life like it’s golden. And her recent partnership with Target? Goals.