This year is the year I entered a new phase of life and I am sharing this transformation with as many people as a I can, because as one of my mentors shared with me, “it’s no longer about who finishes the race first, but when the last one arrives.” With this sense of rebirth, I have been cleansing my mind, spirit and my body. Maintaining a consistent workout regime has been one of the biggest challenges, so I have been seeking support everywhere!
During this plight to find women in a similar space – taking back their power and honoring their bodies – I came across this incredible Facebook page called, “Healthy Black Women and Girls” and after a short skim through of the wall, I immediately signed up for their challenge. What is their challenge? Simply to walk 5 days a week, 30 minutes a day for 10 weeks!
I was so happy to have found this community, I immediately emailed the founders asking if permission to share their story with Soul Kisses TV. In celebration of National Women’s Health Week, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Tanya and Vanessa, the ladies behind GirlTrek!
When you two had that pivotal conversation back in 2007 that put the wheels in motion for the launch of GirlTrek, what did you specifically notice going in your communities and families that was caused such a sense of alarm you had to act to bring about a change in your own unique way?
[Vanessa] It all boiled down to wanting our families to thrive. I had recently lost two aunts before the age of 65, one due to heart failure and the other from Diabetes. My grandmother had also passed at a young age from heart disease. We were talking about the larger impact that this has on the Black Community – when elders pass before their time and are unable to lead and mentor in the way that we desperately need. Tanya and I were frustrated with the sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices that we saw when we would visit with our families. We talked about how this impacted the quality of lives of the people we loved. We’ve been surviving for over 400 years, but we want to move past just getting by – just existing – and embrace a fuller, healthier way of life.
Why was it so important to imagine what Harriet Tubman would do when deciding how you could help transform the perceptions of others?
[Morgan] During slavery, the average freedom seeker walked 15 miles per day – many of the women traveled that distance without proper shoes. Some of them even carried children. I visited the Eastern Shore of Maryland a few years ago. Harriet Tubman was born there. I sat in the Bucktown General Store on the exact dirt road from where Harriet Tubman lived and escaped. Something real happened to me that day. That moment. I realized that Harriet Tubman was real. A real woman. Not a fable or legend. A woman – just like you and me – a tiny woman actually. Such perspective. She risked her life time after time after time because she loved her family, her community, her people. It’s the greatest love story ever.
Well. We love OUR families. So we launched a health campaign – in her honor – to reclaim our power. This health epidemic is daunting. …but not nearly as daunting as risking life and limb to walk to freedom. Vanessa and I were embarrassed when we thought about the state of the Black community in that context. What would sister Harriet think? Think about it. If she could walk, with the threat of capture, torture and death – then we can. Period. No excuses.
How did you come up with the name GirlTrek?
[Morgan] Vanessa and I were looking for a word that described a powerful shared experience. A “trek” is a long, arduous journey – it worked! It had a ring to it, so we went with it.
I’m a former history teacher, so I looked up the etymology. “Trek” is a Dutch word. It was actually used to describe the march of Europeans into Africa. In many ways that original trek – which expose Africa to colonization – is connected to our current plight as African American women.
What a great reminder – to never forget our history. Every time we say the word “trek”, we remember the sacrifices of those who came before us – like the 10,000 students whose voices reverberated through the streets of Soweto until the walls of Apartheid came tumbling down. We are apart of that legacy of activism. The health crisis in Black communities is our call to action. … this is our journey, on our terms.
What is the mission of GirlTrek and what are some of the ways you fulfill that mission?
[Morgan] GirlTrek is a national non-profit organization that inspires and organizes Black girls and women – whose communities are most at risk – to live healthier and more fulfilled lives. An African proverb teaches us that “When you educate a girl, you educate a village.” We believe that. We believe in the power of women and girls to inspire change in their families, schools churches and communities. The ripple effect goes like this. Women and girls set a collective goal, change their habits, and tell their stories. They become ambassadors of healthy living – through action, not words.
Why did you choose to focus on walking as a way to get girls and women moving, and honoring their bodies once again?
[Vanessa] Walking is affordable, accessible and a great starting place for people who have not been physically active for a long time. We wanted something that would be easy for women to engage in. All you really need to start walking is a comfortable pair of shoes. It’s something that people can do right outside of their front doors, without spending tons of money on gym memberships or fancy equipment. It’s also a great way to get your family and friends moving as well.
[Morgan] Did you know that the average distance traveled by women in African and Asia to collect water each day is 4 miles?! The real question is why are we NOT walking?! I’m just saying. lol.
When you were still in the development stages of GirlTrek, how did you imagine it would impact lives? Did you foresee it becoming all that it is today?
[Morgan] Girl we are STILL in the development stages! Vanessa and I constantly pray for guidance and wisdom. …and I have to tell you, every time we image success, God challenges us to think bigger. We have 20,000 women now. But we know that this problem is bigger than 20,000 women, so we’ll keep working, building partnerships, forging alliances, encouraging women to join us, and praying. Please pray for this movement. … to answer your question – I was thrilled a few years ago, when I walked with a tiny group of girls in Bridgeport Connecticut. I thought, “man, this is great!” Now, I would LOVE to go back to that inaugural group of girls and say “see, I told you we were starting something big!” Maybe I will! They are ninth graders now!
Before launching this nonprofit, have either of you had experience in launching and spearheading a nonprofit?
[Morgan] Yep. I worked in education reform with some amazing mentors like Dacia Toll of Achievement First and Richard Kahn, the founder of the Urban Assembly. I am also inspired by Wendy Kopp, the founder of Teach for America – she has undeniable vision and is a trailblazer. The one lesson I learned from all of them – think big. Vanessa also comes with invaluable experience. She comes from the world of media and communications. Her background is in world arts and culture – which basically means she is really smart, well traveled, and educated on cool stuff like global textiles. And she has worked primarily in project management at places like CNN. Vanessa manages GirlTrek with the same level of urgency and purpose and that has really propelled our mission! That’s my homegirl!
In your experience, what has been the primary factor in what prevents people from staying active in their daily lives?
[Vanessa] In the Black community, outside of organized sports, there hasn’t really been a tradition of working out for leisure or health. We didn’t grow up in households where we saw people hiking, running, doing yoga etc. So we grow up without the habit of exercise. It’s hard to start something later in life, and unfortunately by the time we realize that we need a fitness routine it’s usually because of some health problem. GirlTrek aims to get women moving so that being active is part of our lifestyle.
[Morgan] I agree with Vanessa. If you can’t picture it, you can’t do it. A lot of us haven’t been exposed to what it looks like when ordinary Black folks living fun, active lives. So we try to give – especially girls – images of sistas kayaking, fencing, running..sweating! We want to change the face of healthy living so that young girls aspire to it . We know that whatever we aspire to will happen – all of the other excuses..no resources, time, etc. – will go out of the window.
Any advice on how to stay motivated or even passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
[Morgan] Follow our page on Facebook. I guarantee you will be inspired and motivated.. These sistas – are not playing. They are on a mission to heal and it inspires me everyday. For example, a trekker just shared her testimony of being diagnosed with diabetes six months ago. She committed to walking, and eating more mindfully to combat the disease. In just 6 month she lost 25 pounds and and is now diabetes-free!
Stories like these bring spirit to this movement…but sometimes we’ve got to face the music, know the facts. The facts of this epidemic should keep you awake at night. Here goes. 80% of Black women are overweight or obese. And scientists predict that 100% of African American women will be overweight by the year 2034! Yep, 100%. It’s time to change our culture and habits.
Then, we have our daughters to consider. We need to be better role models. According to the CDC, Today’s youth are believed to be the most physically inactive generation in United States history. The number of overweight children in our country has doubled in the past two decades. The CDC predicts that one in three children born in 2000 in the United States will likely develop Type 2 Diabetes unless they get more exercise and improve their diets. A recent study found that obese girls have significantly lower self-esteem – and that kids with lower esteem are more likely to engage in such risky behaviors as smoking, drinking alcohol and unsafe sex. For these reasons, women need to take to the streets. If none of these reasons motivate you, than think of how cute you will look in your New Years Eve dress. That works too!
You incorporate the use of photography as a way to inspire others. Why this approach and where do you get your images?
[Vanessa] Seeing is believing. We need to see women who look like us, being active and living a healthy lifestyle. It’s one of the most powerful tools that we have. The response to the photos that we post has been unbelievable. We are starved for images that portray Black women in a new light and we are happy to help fill the void.
GirlTrek has grown year after year, and always finds new and creative ways to promote its mission. What new things can we expect from GirlTrek in 2011?
[Morgan] We’ve grown, because sisters are stepping up and holding
this movement up. Shout out to all of the trekkers out there! Be sure to look for upcoming health retreats. We are holding an annual wellness vacation again in Sedona, Arizona this October. There are still spaces available. We are also planning an early spring trip to Trinidad, St. Lucia or Belize. If you are interested in going on an international trek, email us at info@girltrek.org. Next year we will be hosting our very first 5k race in Washington, DC. Gooooooooo Team GirlTrek!
How can people get involved with GirlTrek?
[Vanessa] Go to our website at www.girltrek.org and sign up. It takes 2 minutes. It’s not just about the walking challenge. That’s just the beginning. We have a lot of amazing things coming in the future, that will build on our mission and continue to grow the movement. After you’ve signed up, make sure to spread the word!
Any last takeaways you want to leave readers with?
[Vanessa] Everything that we do comes from a place of deep love and care for our sisters and we appreciate the support.
About Nessa
Vanessa Garrison is a runner, bicyclist and health enthusiast, who currently works full time to grow the GirlTrek movement. Previously, she worked as a Project Manager for Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. In this capacity she managed digital media projects for some the worlds most recognizable news and entertainment brands, including, CNN, TNT and Cartoon Network.
Vanessa earned a Bachelor of Arts in World Arts and Culture from UCLA and has traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, Latin America and The Middle East.
About Mo
Prior to her work with GirlTrek, Tanya Morgan Dixon was the executive director of REACH Prep, a nonprofit organization that provides African-American and Latino children access to a consortium of 23 top independent schools. In addition, Morgan directed the development and opening of six new public schools in NYC for St. Hope and the Urban Assembly –- two organizations funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Morgan worked at the United Nations in the Office of Children and Armed Conflict where she researched and reported on schools and reintegration programs in conflict regions. She served on delegations to both Guatemala and Cuba, advocating for basic human rights for children. Morgan trained and was certified as an outdoor educator by the National Outdoor Leadership School. (NOLS)
Morgan began her career as a high school history teacher and later as a school administrator in Newark, NJ. She transformed the school’s character education, arts education, service learning and athletics programs. In addition to her role with GirlTrek, Morgan is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Achievement First. Morgan attended the University of Southern California, Howard University and Seton Hall University and has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African American Studies and a Master of Education Policy and Leadership.
About Tamala Baldwin
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