“I learned that change happens when we walk.”
This week we’re spotlighting Dr. Kamaria Blackett-Munir, a physical therapist in New York who works with children and young adults.
Needing a way to translate her work online during COVID and inspired by Black History Bootcamp, Kamaria started a YouTube channel, Movement Medley with Dr.B. She combines exercise and teaching black history in videos like Who Paved the Way and Finish the Quote.
“I made sure to follow in the steps of GirlTrek,” she said, “and share the names of people we’ve all heard of, as well as the names that we may not have heard of but certainly should know.”
Read more about how GirlTrek inspires Kamaria’s journey:
Tell us who you are in your own words.
My name is Dr. Kamaria Blackett-Munir, PT. I am a wife and mother of two young children. My family is from Barbados, but I was born, raised, and still reside in Brooklyn, NY. I am a Physical Therapist who currently works in a school-based setting, which means I wear many hats.
What brought you to the movement?
I learned about GirlTrek from my friend and colleague, Donnette. She is an unapologetic Black woman, lover of Black culture/wellness/faith, and an avid advocate of her profession (occupational therapy). She invited me with an Instagram post about the “Daughters of ... Black History Bootcamp.” I had never heard of GirlTrek, but I knew that if Donnette was sharing it, it would definitely be worth a listen.
The timing couldn’t have been better. With two children under 5, I really needed some me time, even if it meant just disappearing for that half-hour. I also appreciated the walking meditations because it was exercise that didn’t require a production. No equipment, no unnecessary travel, and no fuss. Just my style!
What do you enjoy most about Black History Bootcamps?
I enjoyed math and science in school but was never a fan of history. Now I realize that the reason I didn’t like history was because I was not interested in the version of history that I was being taught. Today, I am so excited to learn about people in history, because Morgan and Vanessa make it fun. They make me feel like I’m walking and talking on the phone with my girlfriends.
What’s one big change in your life since you joined GirlTrek?
While walking with GirlTrek, I learned that change happens when we walk. As a physical therapist, I already knew and appreciated the physiological benefits of walking. But GirlTrek exposed the social/emotional benefits. As a result, I have become bolder in my actions and in the way that I speak because I am better equipped to speak.
I also learned to prioritize my health. I typically only exercised when it related to my job, but walking is something I now do for me!
However, the benefits of doing something for me eventually overflowed to my family. By the end of my first Bootcamp, my individual walks became family walks with my EarPods, husband, daughter and son in tow. And I honestly loved the company. We all looked forward to our walks and felt a growing sense of pride in our neighborhood as we did our “community tours.”
What do you want other Black women to know about GirlTrek?
Have you ever practiced radical self-care? I have, and all I needed was a set of earbuds and some space to walk. Join the movement and be prepared to laugh, cry, smile, and feel. Feel the air on your face, the ground beneath your feet, and the joy of fellowship with sisters near and far.