Rest as Resistance: Why Black Women Are Reclaiming the Right to Rest

As Kamala Harris’ historic run for president heats up, the pressures on Black women to both contribute to her eventual success a la political savior — and to achieve greatness on our own — have reached new heights. Of course, these pressures aren’t new; they are deeply rooted in systemic racism, cultural expectations, and the ever-present stereotype of the “strong Black woman.” But as Black women are increasingly called upon to lead — social movements, families, communities — many are simultaneously battling exhaustion, burnout, and the physical and mental toll of overwork. 

The conversation around rest, or our lack thereof, is becoming more urgent, as more Black women realize that rest isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity for our survival. Some even say that rest is a profound form of resistance.

The Historical Context of Overwork

For centuries, Black women have been conditioned to work tirelessly, often sacrificing our own well-being for the sake of others. This expectation is embedded in the legacy of slavery, where Black women were valued solely for their capacity to produce labor — on our own and in the form of new life/slaves. Not working up to capacity would often result in severe punishment, and this created a culture where rest was not only frowned upon, it was dangerous. 

Fast forward to today, and this historical trauma has evolved into a societal norm where Black women are expected to be resilient, unbreakable, and constantly “on.” The pressure to outperform peers, coupled with the need to break through the glass ceiling, has led to a toxic work culture that often places Black women in high-stress, high-stakes situations without the necessary support. Many know these as “glass cliff” situations, where Black women are placed in leadership roles during organizational crises, only to be scapegoated if things don’t improve.

The situation isn’t much different outside the workplace. Black women are expected to be constantly “on” for their families as well. And if we’re not available, even eager to lend a hand — or two hands, an arm and a leg — we’re met with voluble criticism and guilt inducing disappointment. The expectations are constant, deep, and to my mind abysmally unfair. But it is what it is.

We’ve been well conditioned to help without thought. And when we don’t jump immediately into action, regardless of the strain to our personal stores and other resources, it’s as though we have produced the sharpest, shiniest knife, and with gleeful disregard, cut the throat of that poor, helpless person who appeared before us in need. 

That’s nonsense, obviously. But this is very often exactly the way Black women are made to feel when we don’t readily help others. Not feeling well? So? We need help. Have a word or school deadline that you need to meet? So? We need help. Want to know why our needs and wants are often ignored yet you’re always asking for more? So? We need to rally the Black vote! And it’s convenient now for you to help us win, so do.

The Modern-Day Reality of Rest

The physical and mental toll of these expectations is immense. Stories of Black women ending up in emergency rooms with stress-induced health issues, like arrhythmia and panic attacks, are becoming far too common. The strong Black woman stereotype, which dictates that Black women must always be self-sacrificing and community-focused, exacerbates this issue. The guilt of prioritizing personal rest over professional and community responsibilities often leads to burnout, mental dis-ease and, in extreme cases, physical collapse.

And when this happens, instead of being offered help or support, Black women are often met with scorn. Instead of being a human being in need of rest, we become weak, lazy creatures who have selfishly allowed ourselves to get run down. And once we can no longer be of service, or we are no longer useful, we become unsightly burdens to be harshly dismissed. It’s rare that we receive the helping hand we’re perennially expected to extend.

Fortunately, there is a growing movement among Black women to actively reclaim their right to rest. High performing, influential figures like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka who have publicly prioritized their mental health over their careers, have sent a powerful message to Black women everywhere: It’s okay to rest. 

This shift in mindset is not just about taking a break; it’s about challenging the deeply ingrained belief that Black women must always be in service to others — at the expense of our own needs and well being...

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