At Girls on the Run, we know we’re stronger together. When we work with other organizations and bring their voices to the table, we can better serve our girls—we call it the Girls on the Run Relay: we all play a part in getting girls across the finish line. That’s why this Black History Month, we’re passing the relay baton to Chicago-based organizations led by Black women who each work to lift up women and girls. All month, we’ll feature their amazing work and words, and resources for you and your kids to learn more.
Led by Co-Presidents Consuela Hendricks and Angela X Lin, People Matter’s mission is to uplift, unearth, and untether people through direct service, political education, and issue advocacy work. They create and cultivate community leaders to do the work that they see fit for their own communities within the Chicago neighborhoods of Armour Square, Bronzeville, Bridgeport, Chinatown, Douglas, McKinley Park, Fuller Park, and Pilsen.
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The Chicagoland organization works to increase access to children’s books that center, reflect, and affirm the experiences of Black children, and has distributed more than 58,000 books since 2018.
Co-founder Krenice Ramsey says, "I was determined to make sure that children in my community had access to children’s books featuring Black characters so I started making small personal donations of books to local youth-serving organizations."
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Black Girls Run! was created to motivate Black women to live a healthy lifestyle through running, and they have groups all over the country. The amazing women of the Black Girls Run! Chicago chapter passed out medals to the girls at our Spring 5K last year, and we know the girls are so inspired by them!
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Peace Runners 773 is an running organization led by Black and Brown folks that advocates for health and wellness on Chicago’s westside through fitness, youth outreach, and community service events. Every Saturday morning in Garfield Park at the Gold Dome, they lead free workouts and runs tailored for all fitness levels. They are offering a free half marathon running program starting Feb. 28, which perfectly lines up with the Chicago 13.1 race—perfect for GOTRC SoleMates!
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We’re so excited to share the good news from Gyrls In The H.O.O.D Foundation! Gyrls In The H.O.O.D Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides Chicagoland girls with reproductive and sexual health education through programming, community service, and excellence recognition. They also aim to redefine negative stereotypes placed on girls based on their zip codes.
Earlier this month, founder Chez Smith opened the Gyrls In The H.O.O.D. Reproductive Health Services Center (at 605 E. 71st St.), where girls can receive menstruation supplies and hygiene products to “experience a period with dignity.”
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Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQIA center in Chicago. It’s located on the South Side of Chicago, and is designed to create and provide affirming and culturally competent services for the entire LGBTQIA community of Chicago. Follow them at @bravespacealliance to get involved and see their full Black Queer History Is Black History campaign!
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Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness supports Black women’s mental and physical health through education, resource connection, and therapy support. They take a community support approach to mental wellness, providing accessible care that centers the whole person. Follow them at @sistaafya to learn how to get involved.
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