The trauma of systematic racism is killing Black women. A first step toward change...

From the Black Arts movement, through the civil rights movement to present day, Nikki Giovanni writes about the powerful experience of being a Black woman in America. Her work is a perfect example of “the personal being political.” In times of doubt, despair or deep frustration we often turn to the words of Nikki Giovani for the inspiration that we need and a reminder of our greater purpose.

As a poet, playwright, teacher and activist, Sonia Sanchez has been one of the most powerful voices in America, documenting the Black experience. Her poem “Catch The Fire” has become a mantra for women in GirlTrek. We had the honor of sitting down in conversation with her and she reminded us that as leaders, we must be committed to our own self-care and daily rituals of healing.

We are so grateful for this article and how it articulated the lived experience of so many Black women who are condition to take care of others over taking care of themselves. Robin tells us in no uncertain terms that the choices we are making every day are life and death. She gives us permission – and a blueprint – for how to prioritize self-care.

Wangari Maathai reminds us that one woman can change the world. Her work with the greenbelt movement has been an inspiration for the work we do at GirlTrek. Her solution – women planting trees - was simple, scalable and effective. We can all learn from her mode.

This video is pure genius. Whenever we want to quickly describe the benefits of walking and the cascade of health benefits that we received when we walk just 30 minutes a day, we use this video.