Black changemakers face prolonged exposure to stressful situations, high levels of emotional investment, and the constant burden of battling racial injustice. Because this work is about survival and the ability to thrive as a people, the stakes are high and the job is personal.

In January 2024, CURE hosted a series of listening sessions to understand Black changemakers’ well-being priorities. From these conversations, a powerful narrative emerged about the innate resilience of Black changemakers, their passion for justice and equity, and the wider possibilities for Black well-being.

Black changemakers share a vision for collective care, Black well-being and liberation experienced in all its forms. Community building and connection are at the heart of Black changemakers’ well-being. Black well-being is not just something to experience in the present moment, but a way to reimagine and reshape the future as a world where all people can truly thrive.

This brief summarizes what we heard. It touches on self-care practices and challenges, the conditions needed for Black changemakers to experience and embody both justice and well-being, and what nonprofits and funders can do to support changemakers’ sustainability.