Wellness Leadership: 5 Black Voices Changing the Industry

At Fitness & Pilates Wellness Center, we believe wellness is for everyone—and it should reflect the diversity of the people it serves. This Juneteenth, we’re spotlighting five Black leaders who are making waves in the fitness, mental health, and holistic wellness industries. These individuals are breaking barriers, rewriting narratives, and helping all of us redefine what it means to be well.

Whether you're an industry professional, a lifelong wellness seeker, or just beginning your journey, these voices offer something powerful: representation, transformation, and truth.

1. Jessamyn Stanley – Redefining Yoga and Body Acceptance

Jessamyn Stanley is a yoga instructor, author, and body positivity advocate who’s transforming how we think about fitness, flexibility, and self-image. As a plus-sized, queer Black woman, she’s challenging conventional standards in the wellness world—particularly in yoga, which has often lacked diversity in both imagery and access.

Through her platform The Underbelly, Jessamyn creates an inclusive digital space for people of all sizes, races, and identities to explore yoga and self-care without judgment. Her unapologetic approach reminds us that wellness is not about fitting a mold—it’s about honoring your body, your breath, and your truth.

"Yoga is for every body—not just the thin, flexible ones."

2. Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts – Mindfulness Meets Education

Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts is a scholar, educator, and global yoga ambassador for Lululemon. She bridges the gap between movement and mindfulness, especially for youth and communities of color. Her work brings yoga and meditation to schools, historically Black colleges, and underserved areas, making these practices more accessible and culturally relevant.

As a co-founder of the Yoga, Literature, and Art Camp for Teen Girls at Spelman College, Chelsea champions the integration of emotional wellness with creative expression. Her impact stretches far beyond the mat—into the hearts and futures of young women seeking healing and belonging.

3. Eric Bigger – Fitness, Therapy, and Men’s Mental Health

You might recognize Eric Bigger from The Bachelorette, but his real impact is in the wellness space. After struggling with anxiety and emotional suppression, Eric turned to fitness, therapy, and vulnerability as tools for self-liberation. Today, he speaks openly about the mental health challenges Black men face—and the importance of breaking cycles of silence.

His platform encourages men to redefine strength—not just as physical dominance, but as emotional resilience. By blending mindfulness with movement, Eric helps normalize therapy, open communication, and mental well-being in a world that still tells many men to “tough it out.”

4. Tricia Hersey – The Nap Ministry and Rest as Resistance

Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, is revolutionizing the way we think about rest. Her work is grounded in the radical idea that rest is a form of resistance—especially for Black communities disproportionately affected by systems of overwork, racism, and generational exhaustion.

Through public talks, digital content, and immersive experiences, Tricia reminds us that wellness isn’t just about action—it’s also about stillness. Her message is especially important in today’s culture of hustle, where burnout is often mistaken for success. In her words, "Rest is not a luxury. Rest is our birthright."

5. Lauren Ash – Holistic Wellness and Spirituality for Black Women

Lauren Ash is the founder of Black Girl in Om, a platform that promotes mental, spiritual, and physical wellness for women of color. Her work weaves together yoga, meditation, affirmations, and energy healing with a focus on nurturing the whole self—something often overlooked in mainstream wellness.

What makes Lauren’s work powerful is how deeply rooted it is in ancestral knowledge, community healing, and intuitive living. She creates space for women to explore wellness in ways that feel safe, affirming, and liberating.

Why These Leaders Matter

Each of these wellness leaders is doing more than offering fitness tips or self-care strategies. They’re shifting the culture. They’re expanding what wellness looks like, who it’s for, and how it can be practiced. Most importantly, they’re helping build a world where wellness is more inclusive, more accessible, and more deeply rooted in humanity.

At Fitness & Pilates Wellness Center, we’re committed to that same vision. We believe that your wellness journey should honor who you are—not who the industry says you should be. As we celebrate Juneteenth and the power of freedom, let’s also celebrate the freedom to heal, move, rest, and thrive on our own terms.