As the founder of the Walking Clock, Yu A series of trips are underway Focusing on connection and self-care, Pamia Opoku has helped countless people put one foot in front of the other.
A motivational speaker and fitness instructor, Opoku can now add “author” to her list of achievements with her book, all right. all right. becoming The 21-Day Walking Journey: A Guided Journal for Self-Awareness, Healing, and Reform.
“By telling my story and connecting it to a movement, I hope to inspire others to move forward,” Opoku said.
A book release party will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 8:45 to 11 a.m. at Zora’s Place, 2223 Washington Ave. in Ox. The free event features a 1-mile walk, goody bags and treats, and an opportunity to connect with others in the community. development Enrollment is encouraged.
The book is the result of a period of self-reflection. After being let go from the corporate position in November 2025, Opoku said she took it as an opportunity to change her ways. “I had the space and ability to focus on the goal,” she said. “Motivation has always been important and helped me release my emotions. Finally being fired helped me jump into the public discourse, find a space for myself and share what resonates with people.”
The book is designed as a 21-day guided journal for anyone starting a walking exercise. “Walking is a way for me to share with the community,” Opoku said. “I created this tool to give people a place to start and learn how to weave it into their lives.”
In addition to physical exercise, the book addresses common issues that are often overlooked, including grief, self-worth and setting boundaries. “Growing up, boundaries were seen as negative and rigid,” Opoku said. “I think as we blossom, they can heal more. They allow us to love better and work better.”
The journal is designed to be an easy-to-digest guide that people can incorporate into their daily lives. “It takes 21 days to get used to a new exercise,” Opoku said. “While there is no map to the right path, this is a guide to help people figure it out for themselves. I want to meet people where they are.”
The book emphasizes that running is not just physical exercise. Opoku, who has lost more than 100 pounds by running, said the benefits are holistic. “It’s a sustainable way to maintain well-being for all of us,” she said. “I talk about my weight loss journey, but it’s more about mental awareness and how I align with my goal. The way I can slow down, show love and check in with myself is so powerful now.”
The social benefits of running are something that many people enjoy. “I encourage the reader to move in the community,” Opoku said. “When I walk with my friends, I walk with joy, I walk as a sister and in support of others. Walking is often a bridge that brings people together and connects them through conversation and shared interests. You never know who you will meet or how a shared story will affect you.”
The book’s title refers to two of Opoku’s favorite local icons: Bear and Michelle Obama. “I was a fan when they were the Bad News Bears, and have seen them play like never before this season,” Opoku said. “As a true Chicago girl, I took their mantra of ‘better, better, better’ as a pep talk. When you’re down in the first quarter, you’ve got to keep going, and that’s the way it goes. It starts slow, but there’s victory in the end.”
She also referred to Obama’s 2018 memo, becoming. “I wanted to combine two things that I love about this city,” she said. “Chicago is home to one of the most amazing first ladies, and I read her book cover to cover.”
“We all become something and running helps me be my best self,” she added.
Saturday’s event is designed to launch and celebrate the community. It takes place at Zora’s Place, Evanston’s only current Black woman-owned bookstore, located in Ox Wellness Collective, a Black-owned shopping center. Opoku met Zora Place founder Laurel Thompson at a Walking Hour event last year and said that brought it full circle.
“The launch is very special because L’Oréal is also an author,” Opoku said. “Her book, Stop waiting for perfecthelped me decide to write my book. So this story goes back to where it started.
Moderated by podcaster Kenya Hawkins, the event offers an opportunity for guests to purchase a book and have it signed. Opoku said the morning was about bringing people together and supporting each other. “It’s an opportunity to walk, connect and celebrate the beginning of something special,” she said. “Bring a friend, and bring your own stroller. It’s important for our kids to see us active.”
Opoku, who also teaches fitness classes at Aux, sees the event as a community wellness day. “We want to give visibility to other businesses,” she said. “There’s a salon, laundry, cafe, classrooms and more.”
Opoku said that time with spring is a reminder that we can always make a fresh start. “Give yourself a chance, put yourself in the community, whether you buy the book or not,” she said. “We owe it to ourselves to show something different this season.”
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