National Day of Rest for Black Women| Why I Had to Learn the Importance of Rest the Hard Way

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March 10 is recognized as the National Day of Rest for Black Women, a day meant to remind us of something many of us have been conditioned to ignore.

Rest.

Black women have always been known for our strength. We build, lead, nurture, organize, advocate, and hold entire communities together. From our families to our workplaces to our neighborhoods, we often become the ones everyone depends on.

But somewhere along the way, many of us were taught that rest had to be earned.

That slowing down meant we were falling behind.

That exhaustion was simply the price of responsibility.

I know that mindset well because for most of my life, I lived it.

As the publisher of The Chronicle News, a mother, a community organizer, and someone deeply committed to serving this city, I have spent years pushing forward on very little rest. There was always another story to write, another event to plan, another responsibility to carry.

And like many Black women, I ignored the signs my body was giving me.

Fatigue.

Burnout.

The quiet warnings that something needed to change.

Until eventually, my body forced me to listen.

What I experienced made it clear that exhaustion is not just about being tired. When we push ourselves too far for too long, it can become dangerous. Chronic stress and lack of rest can impact heart health, immune function, mental health, and overall well-being.

In other words, constantly running on empty is not sustainable.

The National Day of Rest for Black Women exists to remind us that rest is not a reward. It is a necessity.

It is care.

It is protection.

It is a way of preserving the strength that so many people depend on.

Black women are educators, entrepreneurs, caregivers, artists, leaders, and culture bearers. The contributions we make shape families, communities, and generations.

But none of that work should come at the cost of our health.

Today is a reminder that we deserve moments to pause. To breathe. To restore our energy without guilt.

And sometimes, we have to teach ourselves how to rest, especially when we were raised in environments that celebrated endurance more than balance.

I am still learning that lesson myself.

But if there is one thing I hope other women take from this day, it is this:

Your health matters.

Your peace matters.

Your rest matters.

Because when Black women care for themselves, the strength we bring back to the world becomes even more powerful.