📢 Making National News
Pictured: Trekkers in the Selma Jubilee Parade
“No less than a half a dozen women,” Carla said on Tuesday during our call. No less than a half a dozen women in our movement have been murdered by their partner. Holding back tears Carla, GirlTREK’s VP of Care, a founding organizer in this movement, and a pioneer in this space, said that there are “So many women in our community who are flying under the radar that don’t know what to do.”
And she wasn’t just talking about how to escape domestic abuse.
From the grief and sadness silently shouldered, to stress and exhaustion, to the isolating struggles of motherhood, to the battles fought in the pursuit of professional excellence, the stories that pour into Carla each day through our inbox and DM’s are heartbreakingly familiar.
Black women are in a state of emergency.
And I use this language intentionally.
Morgan and I have been talking a lot about our words (and our walk). What are we committed to and what do we believe about the language and energy propelling our movement forward.
“Freedom fighters,” “rallying cry,” “revolution”—these are words steeped in the struggle, in the fight for something beyond ourselves.
Are we at war, or are we on a journey towards peace, joy, justice, and liberation?
The truth is, we stand firmly in the realm of “both/and.” Both joy and justice. Both love and liberation. Both rest and revolution.
We envision a world where Black women can embrace the soft life, yet still recognize that right now we are in the fight for our lives.
So, Self-Care for Freedom Fighters it is.
A training ground for Black women looking to #GetFree.
10 weeks for us to walk towards healing.
There is something inherently powerful and spiritual about Black women choosing to prioritize themselves, particularly during this season of Lent, Easter and Ramadan. It’s a time that calls for introspection and rebirth, making it the perfect backdrop for us to come together, not just as individuals seeking wellness, but as a collective force embodying strength and change.
That’s why Morgan and I are returning to our roots, to the essence of the original crew. Our commitment is to leave no woman behind. So, we will walk with you each week and check in every Saturday on the line, just like we do for Black History Bootcamp.
It's no coincidence that GirlTREK’s first ever challenge began over Easter weekend. This season is rich with the symbolism of faith, renewal, and liberation and we believe that through this experience you can be reborn.
Are you ready to walk with us?
In solidarity,
Vanessa (and Morgan)
If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, there's help. Please call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline (800) 799-SAFE.
Toward A More Walkable World
P.S. For the next 10 weeks, we’re stepping away from social media and into the streets of our neighborhoods. Sign up for SMS text messages so you can get exclusive updates from the movement that won’t be posted on the gram.
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