It's Always Been Ours

Rewriting the Story of Black Women's Bodies

By: Jessica Wilson MS RD

Narrated by: Jessica Wilson MS RD

This “necessary book” (Roxanne Gay, New York Times bestselling author, Bad Feminist and Hunger) shares an essential look at the ways in which Black women are left out of conversations about “diet culture,” health, and wellness.

In It’s Always Been Ours, eating disorder specialist and storyteller Jessica Wilson challenges us to rethink the politics of body liberation by centering the bodies of Black women in our cultural discussions of self-image, food, health, and wellness. Interrogating a status quo that perpetuates white supremacist ideas about who Black women are, how they live in their bodies, and what Black health means, she creates a context for understanding how whiteness and capitalism have shaped the ways we view and treat our bodies, and how even well-intentioned solutions to this problem continue to center thin white women.

With an incisive blend of historical documents, the work of popular authors, and the narratives of clients, friends, and celebrities, Wilson examines the ways that ideas about respectability and restriction have harmed Black women. With wit and levity, she challenges what it means to have the “right” body, and helps all women understand that a radical reimagining of body narratives is a prerequisite for vibrant wellbeing. It’s Always Been Ours is a love letter that encourages Black women to find joy in their bodies and their identities.

“There simply is no better literary voice for this moment in history than Jessica Wilson.”—Sonya Renee Taylor, New York Times bestselling author, The Body is Not an Apology

©2023 Jessica Wilson, MS, RD (P)2023 Hachette Go

Critic reviews

"I could not put this book down. Throughout each page I felt seen, heard, and validated in my experiences as a Black woman who has dealt with body oppression and as an eating disorder provider, who has supported Black women in healing their relationship with our bodies. Jessica offers an accurate account of eating disorders in Black communities and allows us to experience her heart through each chapter, her passion for Black women and call for liberation is evident. This book is long overdue and an imperative read for Black women and for providers within the eating disorders field"—Alishia McCullough, (she/her) MS, LCMHC, founder of BlackandEmbodied Counseling and Consulting PLLC

Must-read

I enjoyed every word of this book. It is a must-read for anyone working in the eating disorder recovery profession.

Validating

As a woman of color it validated my feelings during 2020, as someone in a larger body it validated how I felt about how I navigate life in my size and as someone who works in eating disorders it validated me in my practice.

Necessary

This book should be required reading in all medical education it could really support the care of our bodies. Thank you, Jessica!

Insightful and honest

I appreciated the authors voice, reflections and insights. It was a great blend of intellectual knowledge and lived experience.

Good read!

Really enjoyed the book! It was very informative and healing around eating disorders. I especially appreciate her being transparent about the difficulties are navigating the field advocating for bipoc dealing eating disorder.

Amazing

I laughed, cried, felt and lived with this book. One of the best things I’ve read (heard) in a very long time. I’ve never felt so seen while simultaneously acknowledging how much I don’t know as an RD who is just now delving into working with BIPOC with EDs. Thank you so much Jessica for such an amazing and inspiring work of art. The labor you put forth to create this is not lost on me. I appreciate you putting this out into the world. I feel so proud and happy to be a Black woman in ways I’ve longed to feel.