Milwaukee Recreation highlights its Community Wellness Program during Black History Month
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- During Black History Month, a local organization is working to raise awareness about the power of community wellness. Milwaukee Recreation says its wellness program is a great resource for people looking to focus on health and healing.
"As the wellness supervisor, I'm seeing a lack of safe spaces for us, especially when it comes to wellness," said Cearra Stinson. This week, Stinson organized a special Black History Month event at Washington High School called "Healing the Dream."
"It's really about healing the dream within the Black community and that is to make wellness accessible," said Shanice Hemphill, restorative yoga instructor.
There were interactive workshops, free messages, and powerful speakers. Sound baths, and yoga offered. Stinson says the event represents a larger conversation about spreading awareness of available wellness resources in Milwaukee's Black community.
"We aren't having a lot of people of color signing up for our wellness program, so we really wanted to promote why wellness is important and why wellness should be part of everyone's toolbox," Stinson said. One community partner involved says wellness isn't just about your physical health, it's also about all around protection.
Public safety and self-defense lessons were given at this event and the instructor leading those says community members should add this to their wellness toolbox as well.
"It's very important because...you are your first line of defense when it comes to being safe in Milwaukee and walking around and a lot of these things are just basic, but it's good to know what you don't know right — and that could save your life," said John Fletcher with E.P.U Personal Self Defense.
Mental wellness is also top of mind. "Our communities are impacted the most by mental health — even physical health and even PTSD, so when it comes to healing trauma and working through those things, anxiety and stress...events like this bring in holistic practices for free -- making it accessible to our community so that cost is not an issue," said Hemphill.
Community members are encouraged to check out Milwaukee Rec's wellness program. Click here to learn more.