Marching has long been a symbol of justice within the civil rights movement. From Selma to Montgomery, walking together represented a public declaration of unity, strength, and the demand for change.

That proud legacy is alive today in GirlTREK. What began in 2010 with two friends walking for their health has grown into the largest nonprofit for Black women’s health in the country, with more than 1.2 million members representing about 6% of all Black women nationally.

“Black women were dying earlier and faster than any other subset of people in the United States. Two-thirds of black women were getting little to no leisure time activity. Eighty percent were over a healthy body weight. We really wanted to have an impact on that,” said Vanessa Renae, Co-Founder of GirlTREK.

In Atlanta, as one member explains, walking together, “shows strength, it shows power.” Another adds, “it says more than just one foot in front of the other. It’s about standing firm and showing you that I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.” GirlTREK’s daily walks are about health, lowering stress, and connecting with one another.

As GirlTREK looks ahead, building digital tools like an app and training leaders through the 100 Harriets initiative, the mission remains clear: for Black women to walk toward longer, healthier lives while carrying forward a proud legacy of walking as a catalyst for positive change.

Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity supported GirlTREK with a $550,000 grant.