GirlTREK walk and panel proposed in Norwalk to promote community health

NORWALK, Conn. — A proposal to bring the national health movement GirlTrek to Norwalk through a community walk and panel discussion is gaining traction, with the city’s Bike/Walk Commission expected to consider costs and next steps at a future meeting.

GirlTREK, founded in 2010, describes itself as a “life-saving sisterhood” that encourages Black women to improve their physical and mental health through walking, community-building and advocacy. The organization, which now has more than 1 million members nationwide, focuses on addressing systemic health disparities while promoting collective healing and wellness.

At the commission’s April 6 meeting, Commissioner Christina Randall outlined plans for a June 6 event to promote community health and engagement, particularly through more accessible, community-centered approaches.

Randall said she was drawn to partner with GirlTREK because of its mission to “heal intergenerational trauma, fight systemic racism and transform Black lives,” adding that the group’s work aligns with broader efforts to make wellness initiatives more inclusive at the local level.

She said organizers hope the event could also serve as a starting point for establishing a Norwalk-based GirlTREK chapter, referred to by the organization as a “crew,” giving residents a way to continue participating beyond a single event.

Proposed event details

Randall said the event is tentatively planned for June 6, with a rain date of June 13. She outlined a proposed schedule:

• 9:45 a.m. — Meet at the Norwalk Art Space
• 10:00 a.m. — Walk along the Norwalk River Valley Trail, through Mathews Park and Oyster Shell Park
• 10:45 a.m. — Return to the Norwalk Art Space for refreshments
• 11:00 a.m. — Keynote speaker Siobhan Ollivierre
• 11:30 a.m. — Panel discussion with GirlTREK representatives and local leaders

The route would take participants through several of Norwalk’s public green spaces, tying the event’s focus on health and movement to the city’s existing trail and park network.

Randall said the Norwalk Public Library’s main branch could serve as a backup location if the Norwalk Art Space is unavailable.

Potential panelists discussed during the meeting included City Council member Darlene Young; Romney Donald, host of Juneteenth on the Green; and Sherelle Harris, executive director of the Norwalk Public Library.

Editor’s note: Romney Donald, mentioned as a potential panelist, hosts the Community Ties podcast produced by NancyOnNorwalk. This relationship is disclosed for transparency.