In order for us to build a better future, we have to be willing to let go of the practices and traditions that are not in alignment with the values of the future we’re trying to build. While we’re still unlearning traditional “work” culture, we’re implementing methods that proactively address burnout. Burning out has no value in the future that we want to build. Time is the most valuable currency, and we’re building a work culture where we spend our time currency on soul expansion, creative exploration, and never on capitalist exploitation. This is paramount for minority health, especially in organizing spaces.

For us, liberation that’s equitable and transformative requires an intentional reimagining of how the self-determination of Black health impacts our community’s needs. Umedics is a great example of creating pathways to transformative relationships to help, through their asthma and seizure support training, their new partnership with the South Side Birth Center to support the health of people who are giving birth, as well as their gunshot wound training that can respond to community health during a crisis. EAT also takes time to center Black health through its yoga series. Grow Greater Englewood is changing the way Black communities relate to health by reigniting our connection to the land that grows our food, and creating thriving marketplaces where local people can get access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Everything that works requires rest; it’s part of the process of “working”. Even your phone needs to be turned off and restarted. For this reason, BlackRoots Alliance fosters a culture where folks can be dedicated to the mission without the need to glorify the culture of overworking. For those of us in Chicago, we hope you take the changing weather as a time to enjoy your rest outdoors, and for everyone to take the change in seasons as a signal to listen to the wisdom of the planet, and honor your own cycles of rest, renewal, and rebirth.  

How are you protecting or improving your health? How do you know when you need to rest? Let us know in the comments below.