Mia Boykin
In the heart of Washington D.C., a group of remarkable individuals is redefining what it means to age gracefully. The Wisdom Walkers, a destination fitness organization led by 73-year-old Sharon Goods, is making waves both locally and internationally with their commitment to health and community building in the DMV area.
Recently, the group achieved an impressive feat: 18 members, all aged 60 or older, successfully trekked more than 26 miles of the Inca Trail in Peru over four days and three nights to reach Machu Picchu. On July 14, 2024, the group reached the peak at Dead Woman’s Pass, an altitude of 13,828 feet. Fifteen out of the 18 participants completed the journey, becoming the senior-most group of Black Americans to do so with their expedition company.
This achievement follows their historic climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in May 2022, where Goods became one of the oldest Black women to reach the summit. These international expeditions, while impressive, are just the tip of the iceberg for the Wisdom Walkers’ mission to promote health and wellness within D.C.’s Black community.
The significance of their work becomes even more apparent when considering the challenges faced by many Black residents in Washington D.C. Urban environments often present obstacles for maintaining an active lifestyle, with limited green spaces, busy streets, and the fast-paced nature of city life making regular exercise difficult. Many Black neighborhoods in the District also struggle with food deserts, where fresh, nutritious food is scarce or overpriced. These factors contribute to health disparities that disproportionately affect Black residents, particularly seniors.
To address these issues at a grassroots level, the Wisdom Walkers organize weekly walks in Rock Creek Park. Every Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m., they meet at West Beach and Parkside Drives NW, at the Rock Creek Park trailhead. These walks, open to all, provide a free, accessible way for Black seniors and other community members to engage in physical activity, connect with nature, and build social connections.
Sam Gaillard, a Wisdom Walker from Bowie, Maryland, embodies the transformative power of the group’s approach. After nearly two decades of running, Gaillard sought alternatives as he aged. He found the Wisdom Walkers and transitioned to hiking, eventually participating in the Machu Picchu trek. His journey illustrates how the organization helps individuals adapt their fitness routines as they age, ensuring continued health and vitality.
This long-term commitment to fitness extends beyond the treks themselves. The weekly walks in Rock Creek Park serve as a consistent touchpoint for community members to engage in physical activity, socialize, and connect with nature. In a city where green spaces can be limited, these regular gatherings provide a vital service to the community.
But, the impact extends far beyond physical health. The Wisdom Walkers are bringing together members of the Black community, combatting isolation that particularly affects older adults. The stories of the walkers’ achievements can be motivation for others in the District, showing that age is not a barrier to achieving remarkable feats.
Looking ahead, the Wisdom Walkers show no signs of slowing down. They are planning a climb to the base camp of Mount Everest in 2025, continuing to push boundaries and inspire their community.
The Wisdom Walkers’ story is one of perseverance, community, and the transformative power of community organizing. Even when it isn’t done for political reasons, community building starts at the bottom, it starts from a small group of people dedicating time to one another. They demonstrate that with the right support, older Black adults can maintain their health while strengthening their village.
As urban areas like D.C. continue to grapple with issues of health equity and access to green spaces, initiatives like the Wisdom Walkers provide a model for community-led solutions. By combining local, accessible activities with inspiring long-term goals, they’re creating a sustainable approach to health that will hopefully live on with the generations that come after them.
The journey of the Wisdom Walkers from Rock Creek Park to the peaks of Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu is more than just a series of hikes. It’s a testament to the power of community, the importance of representation, and the enduring human spirit that thrives on adventure, regardless of age.
If you are interested in reading more about health efforts across the DMV, check out TANTV’s Village Doctor Column with Dr. Okenye!
