Oh, Yes: Black Girls Do Run!

Organization takes aim at the stereotype that black women aren't fit

Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks started Black Girls RUN! (BGR), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle among black women, back in 2009. Now, three years later, their members have taken the organization to new heights and they are happy to be along for the ride.

Black Girls RUN! Is currently almost 20,000 members strong on their Facebook page and they're inspiring women to lace up their sneakers and hit the pavement -- together. Not only is there safety in numbers, but there is accountability too.

"I am down 34 pounds," one member boasts. "I got here by changing my eating habits, weight training, and running weekly with my local Black Girls RUN! Group. I have 30 pounds to go and I'm more motivated than ever!"

This sisterhood allows them to get tips on increasing distance, best workout clothes to wear, training regimens and more. Pushing each other to new heights seems to be the unofficial motto and it's working for members.

One member says, "I don't like running, but Black Girls RUN! has given me a new outlook on running, physical fitness, and health."

[ALSO READ: Black Girl Stigmatized]

Toni Carey talked to Loop 21 about the organization, their future plans and whether black women are willing to prioritize health over hair.

Loop 21: You created BGR in 2009. Were you serious runners before you started the organization? Can you tell me a little about your fitness journey before?

Toni Carey: Ashley and I have very different fitness journeys. I was never athletic as a kid and I never thought I would consider myself a runner. My journey started with watching Ashley getting more and more into running. I also worked with a company that sponsored the wheelchair division of the ING New York City Marathon.