“We want people to feel the energy we have gathered over the last three and a half years to help people ‘get on with their lives,’” says Etienne Maurice.
In the midst of personal trauma and social upheaval, the Morris family, rooted in Jamaican tradition, ignited a movement of resilience and healing through a nonprofit organization known as WalkGood LA. Their dedication to promoting community health has brought light to the darkest of times by centering conversations around mental health and activism.
The effort, which began during the pandemic in response to the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, quickly evolved into a call to action.
“We should run. We should be active,” said Etienne, who witnessed people taking to the streets in protest. Joined by her sister Ivy Coco Maurice and her cousin Marley Ray Ralph, the family embarked on a journey to promote health through movement and mindfulness.
Their creative wellness studio, which offers donation-based yoga sessions, weekly 5K runs, bimonthly hikes, and Breathe Good classes taught by Etienne’s sister, a meditation advocate, offers hope.
Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, Coco and Etienne’s mother, stops by Walkgood’s garden every day. Influential people like Ben Crump Bob Marley: One LoveThe cast, local LA rappers, and more will be participating in yoga.
In the 1960s, Rosa Parks began practicing yoga to deal with this problem. As the culture changes and mental health becomes a more important topic, Etienne recognizes that: Now that we have the knowledge and vocabulary, we have the resources to provide to the next generation. ”
Initially drawing attention from celebrities such as Michael B. Jordan, Walkgood LA partnered with brands such as Propel Water and ON Running. The collaboration resulted in Forward Ever, Backward Never, a sustainable shoe line with ON inspired by the 1980s West Indies riots.
Walkgood is a Jamaican euphemism passed down from their grandmothers, symbolizing safe travels, good luck, and “take care.”
Etienne reflects on his own mental health journey. “I think about the trauma I’ve experienced in my own life: getting shot twice in the leg, going to a psychiatric ward and being put on 5150. WalkGood was the blessing I felt I needed,” he said. says.
WalkGood’s holistic wellness extends to mental health support with Zen Den, offering one-on-one therapy sessions, massage therapy sessions, and book clubs. Their new program, “You Good,” is a monthly healing circle for men where they journal, take a sound bath, and practice yoga.
Honoring those lost and the lives lost to racial injustice, Etienne says: “We breathe for those who are no longer able to do so and for those who are no longer with us. Focus on your breathing. Start there. You. You might want to learn how to use it while you’re here. ”
