4 Nineteen Education & Training has announced that the first annual Black Massage Therapist Conference will take place on October 14, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The theme for the conference is “Let’s Celebrate,” which will reflect the changes being made by the group in the spa and wellness industry. The mission of the conference is to form a community of Black licensed massage therapists nationwide and worldwide to help educate Black communities on holistic health and wellness treatments and services.
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According to research cited by 4 Nineteen Education & Training, 83.6% of therapists are White Americans and 70% are women. As of January 2022, just 4% of Black businesses were still open after three and a half years, compared to a 55% national average. Lack of capital is a major factor hampering growth for Black businesses and the group believes that closing the wage gap is key to unlocking growth.
4 Nineteen Education & Training facilitate a variety of continuing education massage curriculum for both licensed massage therapists and certified athletic trainers and also offer processes & protocols on marketing and business strategies to start-up businesses in these professions. The group is calling for support for the conference through promotion and financial contributions. The contributions will allow the group to aid eligible attendees scale their businesses, assist students seeking grants and support continued education.
More information on the upcoming conference is available on 4 Nineteen Education & Training's website.
