As an extension of Inpower Institute, the Black Healers Collective (BHC) embodies a philosophy of community healing rooted in the wisdom of African indigenous practices, which emphasize interconnectedness, communal care, and the power of shared responsibility in fostering well-being. At BHC, we believe that healing flourishes in community, not isolation. Drawing from traditions where the village is the foundation of individual and collective strength, we focus on creating spaces where every person is embraced as an integral part of the whole. Our approach highlights the transformative potential of healing together, recognizing that when we uplift one another, we build a stronger, more resilient community capable of confronting and transcending systemic harms.
Our Roots
What sets BHC apart is our commitment to seeing people in their fullness, not defined by trauma or oppression but as whole and well human beings. We reject narratives that start with brokenness and instead honor the innate wholeness that exists within us all—wholeness that predates and persists beyond the wounds inflicted by systemic injustice. Our work is grounded in restoring this awareness of self and collective identity, focusing on the beauty, strength, and potential within every individual. By centering this vision, BHC nurtures spaces where healing becomes a revolutionary act, reconnecting us to the power of our ancestral practices while imagining and co-creating new pathways to liberation.
Our collective mission is to support the Black community in:
“Re-membering” itself, healing the fragmentation caused by generational trauma and systemic oppression within households, families, and neighborhoods.
Expressing its truths and exercising its power through culturally affirming and liberating practices.
Creating healed futures that affirm Black lives and uplift the dignity, self-worth, and well-being of all community members.
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a holistic process that works to make human collectives and the people within them healthy, vital and well. Community healing addresses communities’ mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, social, cultural, economic and ecological needs.
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Develop communal responses to harm at interpersonal, institutional and societal levels
Promote life-affirming relationships that support connection and resilience
Embrace creativity and processes of cultural renewal
Advance liberation as an essential condition of human well-being
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We can’t fix what we don’t heal.
Whatever we don’t heal, we spread.
How well we are shapes how well we do.
We live, love, and get hurt in community, so we must also heal in community.
It’s hard to be healthy in a sick world.
We are dying from the weight of unresolved trauma.
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Community Healing is old work but a relatively new field of practice in the U.S.
Community Healing can be supported by specialized expertise (therapists, ministers, medical care providers, nutritionists, shamans, artists, culture bearers, energy workers, etc.) but is the work of us ALL
Community Healing cannot be done for communities. To be effective, it must be rooted in, lead and supported by those who are its focus.
Community Healing is multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional. It rejects single prescriptions for change as reductionist and controlling. There are many pathways to healing.
The people in our communities with the most potent healing “medicines” are usually those who have experienced, persevered and grown through severe wounding.
Community Healing is not the work of a single lifetime, but of every generation. Where we would hurry, it invites us to linger, seeking new and different perspectives and the wisdom of our roots.
Interconnectedness: Recognizing that the well-being of individuals is tied to the health of the larger community, we foster relationships that support mutual healing, care, and accountability.
Cultural Affirmation: Our practices are grounded in Black spirituality, ancestral wisdom, and culturally specific healing traditions, ensuring that the Black community can reclaim and honor its unique paths to wellness.
Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Responsive Healing: We understand that healing from systemic harm and generational trauma requires safe, supportive spaces. BHC’s programs focus on addressing the compounded effects of oppression and providing pathways for communal resilience, always responding to the unique needs and circumstances of each community we serve.
Liberation and Empowerment: We view healing as essential to liberation. By addressing the spiritual, emotional, and social needs of our community, BHC encourages self-empowerment and collective action as vital components of the healing journey.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Committed to making healing accessible, BHC’s offerings are open to all, especially those affected by systemic barriers, ensuring that wellness practices are available to the most underserved and vulnerable.
core values
core functions
Facilitate collaboration and community building among Black healers and change agents
Share our healing modalities and practices with one another and the community at-large
Co-sponser community learning events with practitioners of the healing and cultural arts
Conduct rapid response efforts to help address community traumas and crises
Partner with other groups, organizations, and initiatives that are working to advance community healing
Host public healing rituals that address the inner lives and conditions of our community members
Receive and offer trainings on various healing modalities and practices
frequently asked questions
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The Black Healers Collective (BHC) is a community of practice within InPower Institute, which is a 501 ( C ) 3 private operating foundation. Learn more at Inpower Institute.
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Founded by Rebeccah Bennett in 2010, InPower Institute is a center for community healing whose mission is to advance a more just and vibrant world through community healing and well-being initiatives that unleash people power.
Learn more about the opportunities that InPower has for individuals, communities and organizations or reach the leadership team directly at info@inpowerinstitute.com
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While most of our Collective is based in the St. Louis region, we have members all over in cities such as Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Oakland and Cartagéna (Colómbia). Also, Inpower Institute as a whole works with clients and partner organizations globally.
If you are interested in exploring opportunities for hiring the BHC or collaborating with us, let’s connect! We look forward to speaking with you.
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Hey Kinfolk - Absolutely! Our Collective (and InPower Institute as a whole) is as diverse as we are passionate and committed to community healing. Our mission toward collective liberation is for ALL of us - not just some of us. Learn more about Our Work or Contact us.
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We proudly have BHC Members representing five generations from Gen Alpha to Baby Boomers. We all have something to offer. Let’s learn from each other and heal together!
Meet Our Healers or Contact Us to learn more about joining the collective.
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The events, activities, and initiatives designed and hosted by the Black Healers Collective are created for furthering the collective healing of all Black and African Diaspora people. We honor and celebrate the healing journeys of all living beings, and therefore, all people are welcomed to be present at our public events. Privately booked events and services may have specifications about who can participate based on the healing needs of the client organizations who hire BHC.
We love questions! Contact us if you have more or wish to inquire about ways you can support the work of BHC regardless of your identity.