Elevate Black Wellness is proud to announce the continuation of our groundbreaking initiative with the second annual Black Wellness Week, scheduled for April 14-18, 2025. This milestone follows the tremendous success of our inaugural celebration in 2024 and reflects growing momentum across Washington State. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Governor Bob Ferguson for officially proclaiming this important observance, carrying forward the commitment first established by former Governor Jay Inslee.

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Inspired by Booker T. Washington's National Negro Health Week, which ran for 35 years and empowered thousands of Black community members through health-focused activities, Black Wellness Week carries forward this legacy of advocacy and awareness. Our inaugural celebration in 2024 received remarkable recognition across Washington, with official proclamations from numerous cities and counties including Bremerton, Des Moines, Everett, Federal Way, Lakewood, Olympia, University Place, Tukwila, Tacoma, King County, and Snohomish County.

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The momentum continues to build in 2025, with the City of Everett already issuing their second annual proclamation, and the City of Tacoma committed to passing its during this year's Black Wellness Week. These proclamations reaffirm Washington state's growing commitment to addressing the unique health challenges faced by Black communities while celebrating our cultural strengths and wisdom.

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Elevate Black Wellness, co-founded by Keith and Christina Blocker in 2023, has invested over $100,000 in community health events and distributed more than 150,000 culturally responsive resources throughout Washington communities. Through culturally relevant programs, partnerships, and initiatives like Black Wellness Week, they strive to dismantle systemic barriers and foster resilience, just as Booker T. Washington did over a century ago.

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Black Wellness Week isn't just about addressing disparities—it's about celebrating the rich traditions of health and healing in Black communities, honoring ancestral wisdom, and creating spaces where Black joy and wellbeing are centered. To mark this year's observance, we invite everyone to join us for a Community Wellness Walk on April 19, 2025, at 12pm at the Chambers Bay Loop Trail Head located at 6320 Grandview Drive W, University Place, WA 98467.

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As we celebrate the second annual Black Wellness Week and express our appreciation to Governor Ferguson for his 2025 support, we recognize that this growing movement represents the tireless efforts of advocates, community organizations, and individuals who have come together to create meaningful change. By championing holistic well-being and addressing the physical, mental, spiritual, and economic health needs of Black communities, we continue to build a future where every individual has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.