For many Black Americans, the result of the 2024 presidential election came with a wave of emotions ranging from PTSD from Donald Trump’s former presidential term to uncertainty about our human rights.
For some, the initial thought was to flee the country—or at least the moment.
As evident on social media, watch-party streams and conversations across the country, realizing what type of leadership would be entering the White House on Jan. 20, 2025, put people into an instant state of stress and anxiety.
As 92% of Black women and 78% of Black men who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris continued with their daily lives, they carried the weight of the moment—drawing on the emotional and physical strength required to press forward. In this context, the historical notion that Black people are socialized to remain solid and steadfast is activated. Yet, the stress of these challenging times can also serve as a powerful reminder for Black Americans of the importance of self-care—not just for our personal well-being, but as an act of resilience and resistance.
“We don’t owe other people. We don’t owe it to them to comfort them through their feelings. We have a responsibility to ourselves right now,” said Justin Perry, MSW, LCSW.
He added, “I think it’s really important for us to still make space for connection, joy and rest, not allow other people to control us, not allow people to maintain real estate in our brains and hearts and prevent us from living full lives.”
Although we have become masters of creating ways to divert the traumas that come along with just being, we reserve the right just to be.
Whether you’re choosing to prioritize yourself for an hour or a week, here are a few international and domestic Black-owned spaces that will keep you from reaching your breaking point. But we certainly understand if you’re already there.
- Akwaaba Mansion, Brooklyn, New York. This meticulously restored four-bedroom B&B is in the historic Stuyvesant Heights neighborhood. Akwaaba is known for its Southern breakfasts and teatime.
- Stonefield Villa Resort, Soufriere, St. Lucia. Owned by native St. Lucian Anista Brown, Stonefield Villa Resort boasts 17 French colonial-style villas, each equipped with its own private pool.
- Alter Sauna & Ice Bath Studios, Toronto, Canada. This full-service sauna and cold plunge spa offers instructor-led meditation services in Toronto’s trendy College West neighborhood.
- La Maison Midtown, Houston, Texas. This urban B&B is located on the outskirts of Houston, and people keep returning for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere.
- Wellspring Manor & Spa, Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Just 15 minutes outside of D.C., Wellspring is an all-inclusive haven to reconnect with yourself and unplug from life.
- Jnane Tamsna Hotel, Marrakech, Morocco. This North African resort, owned by Maryanne Loom-Martin, features five pools and nine acres of beautiful gardens, offering a truly magnificent experience.
- Spice Island Beach Resort, Saint George’s, Grenada. Spanning 8 acres of Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach, Spice Island Beach Resort is a family-run boutique resort.
- Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge, New Orleans, Louisiana. In the 1950s and 60s, The Dew Drop was where iconic musicians, including Ray Charles, Little Richard, Irma Thomas and Fats Domino, lived and played while in Nola.
- RLJ Kendeja Resort, Monrovia, Liberia. Located near Monrovia’s bustling downtown, the four-star resort has 78 rooms on 13 acres and offers spa services, restaurants and authentic Liberian food.
- The Good House, Desert Hot Springs, California. One of the newest additions to the Palm Springs hospitality landscape, this location focuses on luxury and community.
