Early Saturday mornings, groups of women hit the pavement around Atlanta to meet a single goal: to take charge of their life. They belong to Black Girls RUN!, a running initiative that started in 2009 and launched 60 chapters nationwide last April.
Ashley Hicks, a habitual runner, found a running partner in college friend Toni Carey when they attended Middle Tennessee State University. The passion of running and being active prompted Hicks and Carey to start Black Girls RUN!
“Eighty percent of African-American women suffer from obesity and it was a way to encourage, motivate and get women moving,” said Hicks. “There is also this stigma that ‘black women don’t run’ so this organization aims to change that as well.” Approximately 50 percent of African-American women between the ages of 20-74 are overweight.
Darlene Baltimore, ambassador for Black Girls RUN! Atlanta, said, “The way women live affects our children, spouses and family. This is so many women’s ‘me’ time and this network becomes a huge support system to all women who join us.” Baltimore coordinates over 20 runs per week in the Atlanta area for BGR Atlanta.
“It’s free to join because we don’t want any barriers to succeed in this mission,” added Carey. “Anyone can join and become a part of this movement because we want to start the conversation about obesity and obesity-related diseases.”
The group welcomes runners and walkers of all levels and ages. Over 5,000 women are part of the Atlanta group making it the largest active running group in Atlanta. With over 18,000 members nationally, Black Girls RUN! aims to add more groups across the country along with extending its message to the community and youth.
To get involved with Black Girls RUN!, visit www.blackgirlsrun.com
In Other News: Learning about communities and service projects, kindergarten students at Oakhurst Elementary School collected 147 pajama sets, 43 blankets and 211 pairs of socks in December for a local shelter. The items were donated to Our House, the Decatur-based childcare and support center for homeless families.
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