The GirlTREK revolution is a call to pull the emergency brake on our daily grind in the name of healing and liberation, and put self-care and holistic health first. GirlTREK is a national Black women’s walking revolution. It focuses on transformation through the rhythm of movement that prioritizes care for the caregiver. According to their Facebook page: “It is the largest health movement nonprofit organization for Black women and girls in the U.S.”
Duaa-Rahemaah Hunter has lived in Spokane for 8 years, relocating from the west side of the state. She walked with other Black women in Seattle who were doing GirlTREK. As a Spokane transplant, she wanted to create a chapter here. In 2022 she started walking, advertising, and inviting others via Facebook. Last year, Spokane became officially recognized as its own chapter. “We are on the dot; we are on the map,” says Hunter.
As word spread, Saturday morning treks in different neighborhoods around Spokane and surrounding areas ensued as far out as Medical Lake to Mirabeau Park in Spokane Valley. In the winter, the walks take place in one of the local malls. Sometimes 1 or 2 people show up; sometimes there may be 10-15 women.
It answers the survival needs that have often become minimized in the generational and cultural survival of Black people. Self-care, by today’s standards, have become the luxury that most of our foremothers (and fathers) never had time to consider as they sojourned through the lesser told narratives of Americana. Stories of reaching for opportunities in a bag of tricks with a hole at the bottom while trying to keep everyone else from falling apart, in a race of futility; tales of trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents. These experiences held a much different meaning for the term self-care, one that doesn’t quite equate to taking me time, leisurely walks around the neighborhood, gym memberships, or talk therapy. The grind of basic survival for those who came before us has become the legacy that was passed down, for better or for worse. Fast forward to GirlTREK and what you will see is the conscious effort to elevate intentional self-care as the rule and not the exception.
“It’s needed, we need more positivity…and somebody who has that much energy and is positive, to see that … is a beautiful thing. Like, we have enough things that we need to worry about…” says Hillard. Coming into community with other Black women opens new conversations and new knowledge about what’s happening in the community.
On the topic of self-care, Hunter reflects that Black women are at a higher risk for heart disease, obesity, mental health issues, and there is a strong need to pour the same care into themselves that they pour into others. “We are really good at taking care of each other and our community, because that’s what we do, but we’re not really as good at taking care of ourselves. Mind, body and soul. With GirlTREK, that’s kind of like what it was about; taking back your neighborhoods but also taking care of your physical health and mental health…if we are not okay then how can we pour out into everybody else?”
Doing what brings you joy, finding work life balance, and meditation – these are all ways that Hunter says self-care can be prioritized. She asserts that it’s okay to say no, and that it is not something automatically realized by most. It took her 50 some odd years to realize the power and necessity of saying no. Because, she says, Black women are dying young. “Stress and hypertension are the number one silent killer,” she states. The Superwoman persona has also become a double-edged sword for Black women. Hillard goes on to share, “They give us that power because we can; but also, we need to take care ourselves…the reason we have to have self-care is nobody’s going to give you that care.” Factors affecting one part of our health create a domino effect, which can result in a vicious cycle. Faith Washington is a nurse who works during flu season. She participates in GirlTREK when she can. “I like GirlTREK because I get to walk with my sisters. Walking alone is boring,” she says. She shares that a recent surgery interrupted her exercise routine, but GirlTREK has given her the perfect opportunity to get involved. “I love the camaraderie; I like the scenic route and I am on board because … it’s a national organization and our host is so friendly.”
Coming together as Black women is vital for individual and collective survival. Whether networking or encouraging each other, “we need something for us, by us,” emphasizes Hunter. GirtlTREK certainly checks that box. There are challenges, sharing of podcasts, playlists, Black history bootcamps, and there is even a national GirlTREK retreat. GirlTREK Spokane happens on Saturdays between 9 AM and 10 AM, depending on the time of the year. Currently, Kendall Yards is the location. Hunter beckons Black women to come out, get liberated, and meet someone new. It’s a light 30-minute walk. On the power of community, Hunter says, “Regardless how we feel about each other, you know they have been trying to separate us for centuries, we’ve got to put our differences aside for the good of our community and start coming together and supporting what we do…and not talk about what we can’t do or what we are not doing.” Showing up matters, she contends. “It takes a community to build a community.”
Find out more about GirlTREK Spokane by joining the GirlTREK Spokane Facebook group. You can find out about the national GirlTREK organization by going to the following website: https://www.girltrek.org.