As a point of fact, historically Black and Brown people across the African Diaspora have had a tradition of living a healthy, natural lifestyle. It is born out of a culture of existing off the land and all the bounty it produces. Fast-forward to today, in 2020, that healthy, natural way of life is as pervasive as ever and cuts across all things from beauty to fashion for people of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. To underscore this point, on January 24 of this year, The Washington Post cited African Americans as the fastest-growing vegan demographic in the US and called out that 8% of the population self-identifies as vegan and lives a more harmonious lifestyle. And by way of example and serving as a microcosm of the “Black meets Green” trend is none other than Harlem, USA.
During its heyday in the 1920s and 1930s, Harlem, New York, was known as the “Black Mecca.” From a beauty and fashion perspective, on any given day the streets of Harlem were teeming with Black businesses, from beauty salons and barbershops, to dressmakers and milliners. Today beauty and fashion in Harlem is being addressed with the same entrepreneurial resilience—only from the inside, with a bevy of healthy, natural lifestyle options. Seasoned Vegan, a hard-to-believe vegan restaurant located in central Harlem, has paved the way for Harlem’s 2.0 story. Opened to give traditional Italian, Asian, Caribbean, and southern comfort food a vegan, soulful twist, the owners Brenda Beener and her son, Aaron Beener, have proven to be successful with dishes like BBQ Riblets made with lotus root and fermented soy.
And located on Harlem’s historic 125th Street, Watkins Health Foods has served the community for over 20 years. Part health food store, part beauty emporium as well. The aroma of leafy greens and bright citrus of a lemon squeeze can be attributed to cult favorites like “The Best of Both Worlds” smoothie for addressing beauty and wellness. The wide-mouth juicer presses loudly and proudly, ready to give the patrons a healthy pour, all while fresh produce, natural herbs, healing spices, and powerful supplements can be found throughout the store to address everything, from digestion to hair growth.
The local buzz around Jah Seal Mini Mart’s top-shelf organic shots is thrilling. The atmosphere is that of a speakeasy with security at the door, seating around the counter, and lots of friendly banter. The conversations range from remedies for ailments to new-age health. If you sit for a while you may find the answers to age-old questions. Naturally, you’ll want to incorporate wellness into your daily visit. You can order up some of the most authentic ginger shots, alkaline water, and megamix to go ever found.
Manding Company opened out of necessity. In Harlem, 116th Street is the home of the largest Senegalese-American community and is often referred to as "Little Senegal”. Manding Company offers natural and organic wellness products to the surrounding community. On the shelves, you will find Organic Ajwa Honey with Black Seed Oil that boasts claims that it aids in the prevention of sexual dysfunction, hair loss, eye infection, pain, weak sight, backache, and nausea, just to name a few. Personal self-care products like aluminum-free deodorant, toothpaste free of fluoride, and raw shea butter can be purchased for a nominal price.
Wellness is not just an inside job; you mustn't neglect the outside. Spa Boutique 2 Go planted roots in Harlem to pamper the neighborhood. They offer deep-tissue massage, express facials, and community yoga classes. Those in the neighborhood that wish to have a spa day without making a trip to lower Manhattan are in for a treat. Massages at home are offered to customers residing from 110th Street to 145th Street.
These independent, thriving, healthy, natural businesses in Harlem are indicative of the future of wellness in urban communities. In the near future, these efforts will see victories in the fight to reduce the alarming statistics of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease within the African-American community. After all, health is wealth!
