Black Wellbeing Initiative Launches in Madison

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture and UW-Madison's Center for Healthy Minds have launched a new civic science initiative.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in African-American

Bold vector editorial illustration of smooth stones encircling a young seedling in a clay pot on a cream surface, with a pale-blue horizon behind. — The Center for Black Excellence and Culture and UW-Madison's Center for Healthy Minds launched a $247,000 Dana Foundation-funded civic science initiative in Madison on Monday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture and UW-Madison's Center for Healthy Minds launched the Black Wellbeing Civic Science Initiative on Monday. The initiative is supported by a $247,000 grant from the Dana Foundation.

Why it matters

The initiative explores how Black cultural strengths can shape research questions and approaches to community well-being. It marks a new phase in the ongoing partnership between the two institutions in Madison.

The Dana Foundation provided a $247,000 grant to fund an 18-month civic science fellowship for Easton James Davis. The initiative's specific research outcomes and timeline beyond the fellowship period have not been disclosed.

The players

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture

A Madison-based organization focused on Black excellence and cultural development, co-leading the initiative with UW-Madison.

UW-Madison Center for Healthy Minds

A research center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that studies well-being and contemplative science, partnering on the initiative.

Dana Foundation

A private philanthropic organization that funds neuroscience and brain research, providing the $247,000 grant for the fellowship.

The details

Easton James Davis will lead the initiative, working to bring Black cultural wisdom and scientific research together to advance health and connection. The Rev. Dr. Alex Gee Jr., founder and CEO of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, is involved in the partnership.

Monday: Launch of the Black Wellbeing Civic Science Initiative announced
18 months: Duration of Davis's civic science fellowship
Date to be announced: Gathering to welcome Davis and share the partnership's vision

Culture Shift

The initiative extends the UW-Madison Center for Healthy Minds' well-being research into community-centered work grounded in Black cultural perspectives. It reflects a growing effort among academic institutions to incorporate culturally specific knowledge into health and wellness science.

Madison residents interested in community well-being research may find new opportunities to engage through the initiative's forthcoming gathering. The partnership's work could eventually inform health programs that reflect Black cultural strengths.

The takeaway

Health research becomes more effective when it draws on the cultural strengths of the communities it aims to serve. Residents interested in this work can watch for announcements about the upcoming welcome gathering.