The cultural expectation that Black women must be strong and resilient is contributing to persistent health disparities and preventing these women from receiving adequate care, according to a new editorial published in Women’s Health.
Author Jeannette M Wade synthesized research from a special collection examining who cares for Black women within the healthcare system. The analysis reveals that the Strong Black Woman trope functions as a significant barrier to both health and healthcare access for Black women across the United States.
This essentialist approach to viewing Black women’s strength creates multiple harmful consequences. Black women end up prioritizing care for others over their own self-care needs. They face perceptions of being intimidating, which affects their interactions with healthcare providers. Healthcare systems and workplaces expect them to take on exorbitant workloads based on assumptions about their capacity to handle stress.
Perhaps most damaging, the stereotype boxes Black women in emotionally, preventing them from expressing vulnerability or seeking help. These pressures manifest as stress, anxiety, and other chronic illnesses that compound existing health disparities.
The editorial examined experiences of Black women working as healthcare educators and providers, revealing how the trope affects both those delivering care and those seeking it. The research identified widespread barriers perpetuating health inequities among Black women throughout the population.
Moving forward requires reimagining what strength means for Black women. Solutions must include health-related autonomy, collective accountability, and the creation of inclusive spaces where Black women can access care without confronting harmful stereotypes that compromise their wellbeing and health outcomes.
See: “Who cares for Black women in health and health care: Reimagining the strong Black woman trope to advance Black women’s health equity” (February 8, 2026)
