These Black Women Are Changing Lives Across America Walking

Their motto is "when black women walk, things change," and they are changing lives across America. Who are they? GirlTrek. It is a dynamic organization of women whose efforts to improve the health and lives of Black women everywhere is growing, and it's based on a philosophy of walking it out for better health. GirlTrek is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that is dedicated to inspiring Black women and girls to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. It started as a grassroots effort in 2011 by Vanessa Garrison and Tanya Morgan Dixon who often shared their concerns over family health issues. Once they decided to reach out and help others, the movement grew.

The organization is literally walking across America on a leave-no-sister-behind health movement. But their mission is more than just walking. They are inspired by Harriet Tubman who was an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy during the American Civil War. Her heroic efforts to rescue more than 300 slaves through an Underground Railroad and bravery in recruiting men for John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry will long be remembered in Black American history.

GirlTrek encourages communities to get involved in their biggest walk of the year that honors Harriet Tubman, the HARRIET Tubman Celebration Weekend, which culminates with the celebration on March 10 of Harriet Tubman Day. As Wordna Warren, GirlTrek’s National Field Director, explains, “Our goal is not simply to get women walking with us for Harriet Tubman Day, but to get women walking, active, and healthier every day. Each day, each minute, we want to see more and more black women getting and staying healthy.” 

For more information, visit www.girltrek.org

Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GirlTrek •