Creating Healthier People, Healthier Communities, & Healthier Systems

At the Cultural Wellness Center, we believe that true health and well-being start with culture. Our mission is to help individuals and communities heal themselves and build stronger connections through culturally grounded solutions. As a transformative space, we guide people from focusing on race to embracing culture—offering resources, experiential learning opportunities, and innovative programs that empower personal growth, strengthen communities, and inspire organizations to create inclusive, culturally rich environments.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CWC

LEARN ABOUT OUR SERVICES

OUR PARTNERS

What We Offer

The Cultural Wellness Center (CWC) is more than a nonprofit—it’s a cultural hub that reimagines health, community, and connection. By shifting the conversation from race to culture, we unlock the power of cultural knowledge and practices to address real-world challenges. Through experiential learning, research-based classes, coaching, consulting, and certification programs, we provide tools for personal healing and community transformation.

A Safe & Nurturing Space
Self-Health Assessment
Community Events & Activities
Organizational Training
Classes, Coaching, & Consults

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES

CONNECT WITH US

Hightlights at CWC

Kwanzaa 2024: Pan-African Remembering

The Cultural Wellness Center is proud to welcome all to Midtown Global Market for the Pan-African Kwanzaa Celebration taking place every day from Thursday, December 26 through Tuesday, December 31.

Cultural Wellness Center launches GRAB-N-GO at CWC's Community Health Hub Kitchen inside of The Midtown Global Market

The Cultural Wellness Center proudly unveiled its Community Health Hub Kitchen at the Midtown Global Market with a soft launch that highlighted the benefits of ancient grains. This new initiative offers a tantalizing array of Grab-N-Go meals designed to nourish both body and soul, promising a deliciously healthy addition to the market’s vibrant culinary scene.

The Cultural Wellness Center/Ramsey County Partnership wins RWJF Cultural of Health Prize 2024

In 1996, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) honored me with a RWJF Community Health Leadership Award that we used to create and operate the Cultural Wellness Center. Now, 27 years later, RWJF is recognizing our work with Ramsey County

Moving from Race to Culture

Dreamland on 38th: The National and International Headquarters for the Cultural Wellness Center (CWC)

Dreamland on 38th represents the next bold step in the Cultural Wellness Center’s (CWC) mission to unleash the power of people to heal themselves and build community while fostering community health, wellness, and development. This initiative is a dynamic collaboration between the CWC—a visionary nonprofit co-founder of the renowned Midtown Global Market—and Dr. Freeman Waynewood, an esteemed African-American entrepreneur.
Located in the heart of a historic Black neighborhood, Dreamland on 38th will serve as a vibrant anchor for the broader redevelopment of a historic Black Cultural Economic District. It will provide space for staff, partners, and community members to connect, learn, and grow. The headquarters will host on-site classes, trainings, and community gatherings, along with a library and archive dedicated to self-study and scholarship. A retail café and catering kitchen will promote entrepreneurship and offer a space for sharing culture and food—strengthening community bonds and economic growth.
With its unique mission, Dreamland on 38th will honor the legacy of A.B. Cassius, celebrating his vision of social entrepreneurship and his unwavering commitment to building a strong Black community in Minneapolis, where food and culture bring people together.

News & Articles

Honoring the Legacy of Rose Elaine Reece and Esther Jean Fulks: Pioneers of Compassionate Service at the Cultural Wellness Center

The Culture Wellness Center 2024 Kwanzaa Event Pan-African Remembering

Akhmiri Sekhr-Ra is a 2024 McKnight Culture Bearer Fellow

Upcoming Classes & Events

Multiple Dates
Yoga Classes EVERY Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. CT
Wed, Jan 15
Virtual Event via Zoom
Jan 15, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Virtual Event via Zoom
Jan 15, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Virtual Event via Zoom
RSVP

Multiple Dates
Zumba Classes Every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. CT
Wed, Jan 15
Virtual Events via Zoom
Jan 15, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Virtual Events via Zoom
Jan 15, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Virtual Events via Zoom
RSVP

Multiple Dates
Zumba Classes Every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. CT
Sat, Jan 18
Virtual Events via Zoom
Jan 18, 2025, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Virtual Events via Zoom
Jan 18, 2025, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Virtual Events via Zoom
RSVP

Multiple Dates
Yoga Classes EVERY Saturday at 2:00 p.m. CT
Sat, Jan 18
Virtual Event via Zoom
Jan 18, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CST
Virtual Event via Zoom
Jan 18, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CST
Virtual Event via Zoom
RSVP