Political change is crashing through the nation, bringing profound shifts in our government and culture. For many, this moment sparks fear, anxiety, and even a sense of isolation. In uncertain times when the ground beneath us feels unsteady and the future seems unclear, it’s easy to feel as though there is no recourse. But history reminds us that we are not alone in struggle, and that we have the strength to overcome, take root, and bloom.

Surveys from last year revealed that the U.S. presidential election and the nation’s future were significant sources of stress for many Americans. Today, I’m hearing from some clients that the tumultuous start of this new presidential administration has only intensified their anxiety. This includes profound fears and worries about the potential consequences of swift, unilateral actions that appear aimed at undoing generations of civil rights progress.

In every era, Black women have stood at the forefront of battles for justice, equality, and human dignity. Our ancestors and elders, from the courageous women of the Civil Rights Movement to the everyday heroes of today, teach us what it means to persevere in the face of unimaginable odds. The times may have changed, but the fight for our rights, our humanity, and our future continues.

As we mount a collective response to this crisis of the nation’s conscience, it’s critical that we be attuned to our bodies and minds to ensure that we will live to fight each day. How do we build the fortitude necessary to carry on? How do we deepen the well of strength from which we draw? Progress is not just about pushing forward—it’s about nourishing your spirit, fortifying your foundation, and creating a life that equips you to resist, persist, and thrive. As Angela Davis describes in this video, practicing Radical Self-care “means being able to bring our entire selves to the movement.” 

Here are six ways to cultivate fortitude and harvest resolve in turbulent times:

1. Sanctify Your Home

Make your home an oasis of peace where you feel safe and affirmed. Surround yourself with items that reflect your culture and history. Consider vibrant African textiles, portraits of family,  elders and ancestors, and other images that honor the beauty of Blackness. When you enter your home, it should feel like stepping into a sacred and welcoming place.

2. Center Yourself

Rosa Parks, the fierce force behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott, was a yogi. Her practice of yoga helped her find calm and clarity amidst chaos. Prayer and meditation, yoga, breath work, and other grounding practices can center your mind and body and nourish your spirit, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. These practices also connect us to a lineage of Black women who have used inner peace as a tool of resistance.

3. Move Your Body

Movement is medicine. Whether it’s dancing to your favorite playlist, taking a walk, or just taking the stairs, physical activity can counteract the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise boosts endorphins, sharpens your focus, and taps into the power you hold within your body. 

4. Get Creative.

In 2004, as she reeled from the re-election of George W. Bush, the wise word warrior Toni Morrison quoted a friend who challenged her to start writing: “This is precisely the time when artists go to work—not when everything is fine, but in times of dread,” Morrison recounted in The Nation. Make time to write, draw, paint, curate a playlist, see a play, visit a museum, or find some other way to engage in or with creative expression. Doing so may help you explore and express what you may not be ready or able to say directly. 

5. Get Rest

We often feel the weight of the world on our shoulders, but we cannot fight effectively without rest. The Nap Ministry, a movement founded by Tricia Hersey, reminds us that rest is resistance. Rest allows us to heal and to dream of new possibilities. By prioritizing sleep, naps, and unstructured downtime, we honor our bodies and spirits. Remember, rest is self-preservation.

6. Find Your Community

Fortitude flourishes when individuals come together. Black women have always looked to one another—whether in houses of worship, salons, or social justice circles—to strategize, support, and strengthen our collective determination. Find like-minded people who understand your struggles and your triumphs. Win With Black Women and Higher Heights for America are among the many politically oriented groups supporting the engagement and advancement of Black women.  Together, you can create strategies to support not only yourself but also your community.

An Invitation to Deepen Your Well of Resolve

I invite you to grab your journal and take 5 minutes to write and reflect. Listen to and consider the lyrics of Sweet Honey in the Rock’s song, “I’m Gon’ Stand:”

We shall not bow down to racism

We shall not bow down to injustice

We shall not bow down to exploitation 

Whatchya gonna do?

I’m gon’ stand!

I’m gon’ stand!

I’m gon’ stand!

I’m gon’ stand! 

I just can’t tolerate racism

I just can’t tolerate injustice

I just won’t tolerate exploitation

Whatcha gonna do?

I’m Gon’ Stand!

I’m Gon’ Stand!

I’m Gon’ Stand!

I’m Gon’ Stand!

We will not obey racism

We will not obey injustice

We will not obey exploitation

I’m Gon’ Stand!

I’m Gon’ Stand!

I’m Gon’ Stand!

I’m Gon’ Stand!

Write about how these words resonate with you. Consider what it means to stand in today’s world? Write freely, with no concern about grammar, spelling or prying eyes.

When you’re done, read what you wrote and consider what thoughts and feelings your words bring up. Then take a few more minutes to write about how your own words inspire you to strengthen your resolve and nurture your fortitude for the battles ahead.

Visual Art By Gajic/vgajic@iStock

When Kamala Harris was sworn in as U.S. Vice President, shattering the glass ceiling and making history as the first Black woman and first woman of Indian descent to hold the position, her landmark victory came 13 years after Barack Obama became the first Black U.S. president. We now have a generation of children who can say that they see themselves represented in the highest offices in the world. 

As Vice President Harris said in her victory speech on the night the election was called for Biden-Harris:

 “But while I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.”

But the moment was powerful for Black and brown women as well. 

Seeing someone who looks like us rise gives us a sense of hope and instills the belief that we have equal access to opportunities. This can boost confidence and ease self-doubt, and help us feel more connected and less isolated. This powerful imagery can also help reduce anger, resentment, and chronic stress we may experience from working in spaces where our talent and hard work are not recognized and rewarded, or from toiling in a stalled career as white and male colleagues pass us by.

Even as adults, if we haven’t witnessed someone move to a certain level or position, it is difficult to imagine what’s possible. But with Vice President Harris -- and with the many Black women who have been recently tapped to lead everything from newspapers and TV networks to nonprofits, major corporations, and more, we’re seeing what is possible and celebrating our wins as each new door is opened. And Black women don’t just go through the doors, we hold the door open, reach back, and pull others forward.

In the spirit of moving forward and continuing to lift one another up, I’m taking a moment to give some trailblazing women their flowers and show the vast possibilities. The following list celebrates pioneers who I admire -- they’re breaking barriers and making history and holding the doors for more. And that, of course, inspires hope. Obviously, this list is by no means exhaustive, so if you think of someone who should be here, celebrate her too. 

Naomi Osaka

This tennis champion made history when she won the Australian Open in February, becoming the first woman since Monica Seles (in the early 90s) to win the first four grand slam titles of her career with a perfect 3-0 record following the success of the U.S. Open in 2018 and 2020, and the Australian Open 2019.

 Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones took over the role of president of MSNBC in February, making her the first Black executive to lead a cable news network. Previously, Jones spent seven years as the chief of breaking news and major events at the network and led its coverage of the 2020 elections.

 Roz Brewer

Roz Brewer stepped up to the title of CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc, in February. This move makes her the only Black woman to currently lead a Fortune 500 company, but she’s not new to this. Previously, the Spelman grad was the first African American person to lead a division at Sam’s Club.

 Joy Bailey-Bryant

My soror and friend Joy Bailey-Bryant is president of Lord U.S., a consultancy firm for cultural institutions. She is responsible for leading the company’s U.S. operations, as well as serving on the firm’s global leadership team. Her work with the firm over the past decade includes overseeing the creation of and planning for more than 15 museums in the U.S. and abroad, including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the African American History and Culture, The Studio Museum of Harlem expansion, and other projects at the intersection of culture art, community, and the world.

Thasunda Brown Duckett

When Thasunda Brown Duckett, another one of my sorors, steps into the role of CEO of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) on May 1, she will be one of two Black women currently leading a Fortune 500 firm (along with Roz Brewer), and just the fourth Black woman in history to serve as a Fortune 500 CEO. (Ursula Burns was the first when she served as the CEO of Xerox from 2009 to 2016. And Mary Winston was second when she served as interim CEO at Bed Bath & Beyond in 2019.)

 Bozama Saint John

Bozama Saint John joined Netflix last year as its chief marketing officer, making her the first Black woman to join the streaming giant’s team of top executives. She previously made waves as a top executive at Apple and Uber.