This past political season has been nothing short of exhausting. From polarizing debates to relentless assaults on fundamental rights, the collective weight has been especially heavy for Black women. We’ve been here before—called upon to lead, to save, to uplift—and yet, this time, something feels different. Many Black women are openly choosing peace, stepping back from the chaos, and prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being. Far from being a sign of apathy, this shift is revolutionary. It’s an act of self-preservation in a world that has long exploited our strength, and it’s a testament to the transformative power of sisterhood.
The weight of being “strong”
Black women have long been celebrated—and burdened—with the archetype of the “strong Black woman.” While this narrative highlights resilience, it often leaves little room for vulnerability. A 2019 study published in Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology found that Black women who internalize this stereotype are more likely to experience stress, depression, and anxiety. Yet, societal expectations push us to keep going, even when our tanks are running on empty.
More and more Black women are prioritizing mental and emotional well-being amidst societal pressures. Credit: Getty
Choosing peace, then, is not a retreat but a necessary recalibration. It’s an acknowledgment that strength also means knowing when to rest and recharge. By stepping back, Black women are reclaiming their humanity in a world that too often demands their labor without concern for their well-being.
The cost of always showing up
From the suffragist movement to the Civil Rights era and beyond, Black women have been the backbone of transformative change in America. In the 2020 presidential election, 91% of Black women voted for Joe Biden, playing a pivotal role in his victory. Yet, this relentless dedication is rarely reciprocated in policy or societal support. The maternal mortality rate for Black women in the U.S. is nearly three times higher than that of white women. Workplace discrimination, pay gaps, and disproportionate incarceration rates further illustrate the systemic inequities we face.
It’s no wonder, then, that many Black women are choosing to opt out of the constant grind. This isn’t indifference; it’s survival. And as we step back, we’re finding solace in each other—refueling each other’s tanks in ways that are long overdue.
Refueling Through Sisterhood
The power of Black women coming together cannot be overstated. From social media platforms like #BlackGirlMagic to grassroots organizations focused on mutual aid, we’re creating spaces to heal and uplift one another. During the pandemic, for example, Black women-led initiatives like The Loveland Foundation provided free therapy sessions, recognizing that mental health care is not a luxury but a necessity.
These acts of communal care are revolutionary in their simplicity. By prioritizing each other’s well-being, we’re challenging a system that thrives on our exhaustion. We’re rewriting the narrative, showing that our worth is not tied to how much we can endure but how deeply we can thrive.
Choosing peace is choosing power
To some, the idea of Black women stepping back might seem counterintuitive. After all, who will fight the battles if we don’t? But choosing peace doesn’t mean abandoning the fight; it means fighting smarter. It means understanding that we can’t pour from an empty cup. It means embracing rest as a form of resistance, as Audre Lorde famously said: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
This shift reminds us that our power lies not just in our ability to push through adversity but also in our willingness to honor our own needs. It’s a reminder that we are not alone—that when one of us steps back, another steps in, and together, we keep the fire burning.
A supporter departs after Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a concession speech for the 2024 presidential election on the campus of Howard University in Washington. Credit: AP
Moving forward
As this tumultuous political season fades into memory, let’s hold onto this lesson: we are our sister’s keeper. Prioritizing our mental health is not a betrayal of our community but an investment in its future. When we choose peace, we’re not just surviving—we’re creating a world where Black women can truly thrive. And that, perhaps, is the most revolutionary act of all.
