Empowering black and brown women to lead healthier lives.
What is Empower Noir?
Empower Noir provides black and brown women with free resources they need to become more educated around nutrition, fitness, self-advocacy and wellness. Black women and babies, when compared to white counterparts have higher rates of: pregnancy-related deaths, hypertension, type II diabetes, obesity, longer NICU stays, and the list continues.
Through a series of free workshops, Empower Noir will equip participants with the knowledge and education they need to help lead healthier, more informed lives.
Nutrition
Have you heard of the 70/30 rule? Weight loss is 70% the foods you eat, and 30% exercise. That’s a difficult expectation for the average person, now imagine the uphill battle for someone who lives in a neighborhood without easy access to healthy food. Those living in food deserts face this reality daily. Food deserts are located in urban areas, typically in neighborhoods where most residents are minorities, where it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food. It shouldn’t be easier to find a Slurpee than a smoothie, or cheaper to buy a Big Mac than grab a pre-made salad.
Nutrition workshops will focus on the basics of food, how to properly read a nutrition label, how to navigate the grocery store and tips to stay on track with mindful eating and sustainable goals.
Fitness
The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each week. Participation in regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits including a lower risk of high blood pressure, stroke and type II diabetes. Studies show that African Americans tend to suffer from preventable diseases more than other races. Research has also shown that black adults tend to be less physically active than white peers for a number of reasons ranging from lack of access to exercise facilities to hair care.
Fitness workshops will address common barriers that keep individuals from exercising, how to set a consistent routine and incorporate home-based physical activity while juggling a busy schedule.
Health & Self-Advocacy
Black women die during pregnancy and childbirth at rates three times higher than white women, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We all remember Serena Williams sharing her scary birth story, where if she hadn’t advocated for herself, could've resulted in a dire outcome. Because of instances like these, it’s increasingly important to educate women before they become mothers and throughout their journey of motherhood. Many women report they don’t feel heard by their primary care physicians or they’re not sure what questions they should be asking. Starting a family can be a stressful and scary chapter of your life, but you should always feel supported.
Self-advocacy workshops will explain ways to stay informed, understand your rights and how to speak up for yourself to ensure a healthy life for you and your family.
Wellness
When you hear the word “wellness,” you likely think of yoga, mediation or even a spa day. While all of these are important, you must also remember to evaluate how you’re feeling emotionally, physically and spiritually. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness as everyone has different needs, but it is key to figure out which wellness practices give you peace. Oftentimes, wellness is perceived as a luxury rather than necessity, but that’s far from true. Regardless of socioeconomic status, wellness is an essential tool for everyone.
Wellness workshops will focus on wellness practices you can implement into your life immediately, along with ones that are more long-term.