Stacey Abrams Stands with GirlTREK on World Stage
I’m writing to you from the road, on my way back to DC from Atlanta. With seven days until Election Day, I wanted you to hear what just happened. This past week, we stood in the heart of a battleground state, putting Black women’s health, joy, and justice front and center. In this critical moment, GirlTREK launched our boldest mission yet: to increase Black women’s life expectancy by 10 years in the next decade.
Here’s how this historic week unfolded:
Seven days ago, in Atlanta’s National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Stacey Abrams joined GirlTREK’s co-founder, Morgan Dixon, in a historic interview. With Election Day just around the corner, Stacey could have been anywhere, but she chose to be with us, seated among 150 women, in conversation about legacy and vision. Together, they spoke about what it means to walk in the footsteps of civil rights leaders and the world we are building where Black women live longer and thrive. Stacey’s rallying cry was clear: mobilize 10 people to vote. Already, women across the country are signing up to lead “Walk to the Polls” events (you can too—sign up here). This is a movement, and it’s growing by the day.
Wednesday morning, we took that message to the TED stage, where Pat Mitchell—an icon in women’s rights and a “dangerous woman” in the best way—interviewed us. Alongside us was Linda Carter, Wonder Woman herself, who brought her lasso of truth in solidarity with our cause. Standing together, we declared to the world that Black women are powerful—not superheroes, but everyday women, daughters of powerful legacies, who rise each day to protect our families, our communities, and our futures. TED was more than a stage; it was a call to action, a declaration that Black women’s health is essential and urgent.
Saturday morning, at sunrise, 1,000 women gathered for the Joy and Justice Rally. This was more than a rally—it was a revival, a political flex, and a spiritual experience. In that room, we witnessed the power of an active sisterhood, a movement 10 years in the making. Together, we declared our 7-Point Joy and Justice Agenda, a transformative blueprint for healing and change. And as those thousand women stood together, they committed to something big: next Saturday, each will lead a Manifestation Mile in her city. These Manifestation Miles will be powerful, welcoming walks, inviting new women to join this movement, to carry forward the energy of the rally, and to call in our vision of joy and justice in communities across the nation.
This moment is the culmination of 10 years of walking, organizing, and showing up for one another, and now it's time to take action. The rally was just the beginning. We are calling every woman in this movement to join us in a powerful call to action to mobilize our churches, our friends, our neighbors, and our families.
This Saturday, November 2nd, join us for PrayerTREK. Wherever you are, walk with us live at 9AM ET. We will be lifting every hope, every prayer, and every intention for our community. We’ll be on the same line as The Liberation Line: (646) 876-9923 (Code: 734464325#). We’ve been collecting your prayer requests on our virtual prayer board. You can still add yours here. Immediately after the call, join a Manifestation Mile near you—or start your own with friends or family. Every step carries forward the purpose of those 1,000 women—and the million strong who stand with them.
On Monday, November 4th, Black History Bootcamp returns. So many women have told us that this daily discipline, this live conversation, this learning together has saved their lives, and we believe them because we are those women, and it can be you too.
Then, on Thanksgiving weekend, join us for the Black Family 5K. Make fun memories with your family and be a part of a healthy holiday tradition that's been around since 2016. Host a 5K in your neighborhood any day between November 28-30. Let the new season of our 21-Day Black History Bootcamp help you train for your family 5K!
Be a part of the movement. Sign up here to participate in our powerful lineup of programming this fall. Because our mamas taught us to start everything we do with prayer. And because we know we must study the lessons of our ancestors—and bring our families with us on this journey—if we are to succeed.
We are the daughters of women who walked by faith and not by sight. We are manifesting a world where we can not only live longer, but where we can experience joy.
I hope you feel proud of the work that we are doing. We are so proud of you and us.
Vanessa (and Morgan)