Goddess Walk encourages Hampton Roads community to take steps towards better mental health
The sixth annual Goddess Walk took place this Sunday at Mount Trashmore in Hampton Roads, bringing community members together to mark Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Hosted by the local nonprofit I Am Goddess, the event served as a public space for people to focus on their mental well-being through group activity and outdoor connection. Founder Dazhuna Reed started the organization in 2019 to provide mentorship and mental health education to young minorities, turning her own history of managing mental health conditions into a resource for others.
Events like this are significant because minority communities frequently face specific barriers to quality care, including social stigma and unequal access to resources. Registered nurse Kristin Arian noted that the act of walking allows participants to release tension and generate endorphins. She emphasized that mental health is a universal concern that transcends socioeconomic status and background. By gathering in nature, participants break down the isolation that often accompanies mental health challenges.
Local attendee Tyler Hearn noted the importance of the event as a reminder to prioritize individual self-care. It is common for people to focus on their responsibilities to families, work, and others while neglecting their internal state. Hearn pointed out that a simple pause to breathe can act as a necessary mental check, shifting how a person reacts to daily pressures. This message resonated with the crowd, who used the Sunday morning gathering to trade stories and support one another in an accessible, community-led environment.
Looking forward, the organization plans to grow its footprint beyond annual gatherings. Reed aims to establish a career readiness program focused on preparing high school students for skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and workforce entry. The goal remains consistent: to maintain environments where people feel supported and connected. As the organization expands its programming, the focus on mental health remains a core pillar of its mission to provide resources for the Hampton Roads region.