Civil rights education and women’s health intersect in GirlTrek’s latest initiative
GirlTrek, an organization that’s focused on improving the health of African American women, is introducing a new initiative to reflect on the activism of those leaders.
GirlTrek, an organization that’s focused on improving the health of African American women, is introducing a new initiative to reflect on the activism of those leaders.
The 600,000-member movement encourages black women to walk 30 minutes a day, five times a week, per CDC guidelines, as a way to improve physical and mental health.
And years before the death of George Floyd, GirlTrek was addressing the need for healing and strength within communities, with women at the center.
Starting June 1, GirlTrek kicked off an initiative it’s calling “Black History Boot Camp,” with daily reflections on the activism of African American women throughout history.
“It’s just one of many campaigns that we do to inspire and rally our communities. It’s not going to stop after 21 days,” said Vanessa Garrison, GirlTrek’s co-founder.
Thank you for this @GirlTrek. Just completed Day 1. If you are in need of healing and a supportive community of women. Join in and take a walk. https://t.co/wXLYwqfiGn
— Michelle Dalzon (@MichelleDalzon) June 1, 2020
The effort may seem prescient, as black women on social media express their fears and frustrations over the treatment of African Americans, not just by police, but by the broader society.
Garrison said there’s strength in what she calls “courageous conversations” and the community that GirlTrek creates.