7 Reasons Why Rest Is Revolutionary for Black Women from Sunya Folayan /July Reflections/Part 1

Dear Sunya,

It's Sunday. Let's talk about rest.

In my June newsletter, I mentioned my latest YouTube video, 7 Reasons Why Rest is Revolutionary for Black Women. Due to a few tech hiccups, it went live a little later than planned—but it’s posted now, and it’s deeply personal because the rest I needed was elusive to me for years.

👉🏾 Watch the video here: 7 Reasons Why Rest is Revolutionary

Let’s talk truth: We live in a society that glorifies hustle, grind, and constant productivity. And for Black women, that pressure is even more intense. Even in retirement, many of us take on more caregiving, and sometimes extra volunteer work- without stopping to take a pause.  And collectively? You are often praised for your strength, your sacrifice, your ability to “push through”—even when it costs your health, your peace, and your joy.

But what if rest is not a reward you earn after burnout? What if rest is a healing, revolutionary act leading to societal change?

✨ What makes rest revolutionary?

A revolutionary act disrupts the status quo, invites transformation, and creates radical change. And yes—it can be quiet and peaceful, too. Look at how society is reacting to Black people choosing not to place our bodies on the line in sacrifice of the current US regime. Something is changing. Now, imagine what could shift in our lives and communities if we all chose rest as a sacred, sustainable practice.

Here are 7 reasons why rest is revolutionary for Black women:

1. It resists systemic oppression

2. It reclaims our time and energy

3. It heals intergenerational trauma and honors our ancestors

4. It challenges the cult of productivity that ties our worth to our work

5. It centers self-care and self-love

6. It creates space for creativity and imagination

7. It strengthens our communities through collective care

The truth is: hustle culture has us in a chokehold. But we don’t have to stay there. Revolution can begin with a whisper. A pause. A breath. A nap. Let’s agree to rest—not just for ourselves, but for the generations watching us.

🖤 Rest is not weakness. It’s wisdom. It’s radical. It’ belongs to you.

 With love and intention,

Sunya