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YOUR MINDSET MATTERS
Ari Affirmations
I celebrate the impact of Black wellness leaders.
I honor trailblazers who paved the way for my health.
I choose to educate, inspire, and empower those around me.
Hey boo!
 
February is Black History Month, and I couldn’t let it pass without honoring some of the brilliant minds whose innovations continue to shape our lives—and the lives of those we love. 
 
From life-saving medical breakthroughs to the technology that powers our workouts, Black pioneers have been at the forefront of revolutionizing wellness, health, and fitness.
 
Today, let’s take a moment to celebrate the impact of five Black trailblazers:
 
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson
paved the way for fitness trackers
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson’s pioneering research in data transmission technology not only led to the technology behind caller ID and fiber-optic cables – it also laid the foundation for many of today’s smartwatches and wearables, helping us track our steps, heart rate, and fitness progress with ease.
 
She wasn’t just breaking scientific ground—she was breaking barriers, becoming one of the first two Black women to earn a doctorate in physics in the U.S. and the first to receive a doctorate from MIT.
 
Frederick McKinley Jones
made healthy eating accessible
Ever wonder how fresh fruits, veggies, and proteins make it to your grocery store? 
 
Frederick McKinley Jones created refrigerated truck systems, making it possible to transport perishable food across long distances. His invention revolutionized the food industry, making healthy eating more accessible to people worldwide.
 
Dr. Patricia Bath
revolutionized eye health
Dr. Patricia Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe, a device that made cataract surgery more precise and accessible, helping millions of people see again.
 
She also made history as the first Black woman to receive a medical patent, proving that innovation knows no boundaries.
 
Granville T. Woods
paved the way for cardio machines
Ever hopped on a treadmill or elliptical and wondered how it runs so smoothly?
 
Granville T. Woods invented the third rail system, which powers modern electric trains. But his innovations didn’t stop with transportation—his work helped lay the foundation for electrified gym equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and rowers.
 
Thanks to his genius, we can work out indoors with ease.

Dr. Jane Cooke Wright
pioneered chemotherapy for cancer patients
Dr. Jane Cooke Wright helped turn chemotherapy from a last-resort experiment into a life-saving treatment. 
 
She led groundbreaking research on the drug methotrexate, proving its effectiveness in treating breast and skin cancers—a discovery that paved the way for millions of cancer survivors.
 
Today, methotrexate remains one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs, helping to fight breast cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, and more—all thanks to her fearless innovation.
 
This Week's Challenge
 
Learned something new? Pass it on, boo!
 
Black history is a part of our everyday lives, from the workouts we do to the medical advancements that keep us thriving. This week, take a moment to share what you’ve learned—because knowledge is power.
 
Here’s how you can take action:
  • Forward this email to a friend or loved one who would love to learn about these incredible innovators.
     
  • Post on social media about a Black pioneer in wellness who inspires you—whether it’s someone from this list or another changemaker whose impact you admire.
     
  • Start a conversation with someone in your circle about how Black innovators have shaped the wellness space. You never know who you might inspire!
Let’s keep these stories alive and continue celebrating their impact. Tag me @gymhooky if you share—I’d love to see who’s inspiring you!
 

PLAN YOUR 2025 WELLNESS ESCAPE

 
Have a great week!
 
Ariel Belgrave, CPT
Certified Health & Fitness Coach
Stress Management Specialist
Board Member, Women's Health Mag
Under Armour Athlete
P.S. I encourage you to forward this email to someone who could use this wisdom (sharing is caring!)
 
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