Ride For Equity: A community that believes in fairness.
Pedal Towards Financial Equity and Justice
Support Entrepreneurs of African descent through a transformative bike ride for equity and awareness from Tulsa to NYC.
$4M+
Distributed to Black-Owned Businesses
and organizations led by Detroiters of African descent.
600+
Businesses and Organizations Supported
Make a difference in your community by participating in our fundraising efforts.
1600+
Mile Ride
Join a movement that fosters change for business owners of African descent.
Our Mission for Equity and Justice
Ride For Equity is an initiative dedicated to promoting fair funding for entrepreneurs of African descent through impactful cycling events. Volunteer to help the movement today!
Ride for equity aims to raise awareness about economic disparities while fostering community support for underrepresented business leaders and their journey toward reparations.
The Road to Reparations-Black Wall Street (Tulsa) to Wall Street (NY)
Approximately a 1645-mile ride. Starting on May 31st, 2025, at 7AM, Black Leaders Detroit will embark on an inspiring journey from the historical Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Wall Street in New York City. For those planning to stay overnight at each stop, please note that riders will be responsible for their own hotel arrangements. As a participant, you’ll receive commemorative bike jerseys and cycling nutrition, must be able to keep an average pace of 15 miles per hour for 50 miles required for riders. A rest day is included in each week.
RIDE YOUR OWN WAY
Each attendee commits to raising $100 by July 4, 2025. If the amount isn’t reached, attendees agree to cover the remaining amount.
Ride as far as you want, wherever you want. You can be part of the Ride For Equity from anywhere in the US — or the world! Choose your own route and ride where you’re most comfortable. Donate or raise $100 or more to receive the official R4E jersey. Share your ride with us on social media, and let’s make every mile count for equity!
For MOre Details on each event, please email [email protected]
The Journey
01.
The Ride to Remember Kickoff: Honoring Black Wall Street
Join us for the Ride for Equity Ceremonial Kickoff, proudly hosted by Black Leaders Detroit in partnership with the Community Light Foundation! This exciting event will take place during the Ride to Remember, starting at 6:45 AM with the ride launching from 700 North Greenwood by 7:00 AM. Participants can choose from ride distances of 15 or 35 miles. Please note that riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All net proceeds will directly benefit Black Leaders Detroit and our affiliate’s missions.
02.
Week 1: Tulsa, OK to Rolla, MO
Approximately a 330-mile ride.
Join us for Week 1 of R4E, launching from 700 North Greenwood at 7 AM! We invite you to be part of this incredible journey. For those planning to stay overnight at each stop, please note that riders will be responsible for their own hotel arrangements. As a participant, you’ll receive a commemorative bike jersey and cycling nutrition, must be able to keep an average pace of 15 miles per hour.
03.
Week 2: Rolla, MO to Terre Haute, IN
Approximately a 325-mile ride.
Join us for Week 2 of R4E, launching from Rolla, MO at 7 AM! We invite you to pedal for a purpose, and for those planning to stay overnight at each stop, please note that riders will be responsible for their own hotel arrangements. As a participant, you’ll receive a commemorative bike jersey and cycling nutrition, must be able to keep an average pace of 15 miles per hour. A rest day is included in each week.
04.
Terre Haute, IN to Belmont, OH!
Approximately a 400-mile ride.
Join us for Week 3 of R4E, launching from Terre Haute, IN at 7 AM! We invite you to pedal for a purpose! For those planning to stay overnight at each stop, please note that riders will be responsible for their own hotel arrangements. As a participant, you’ll receive a commemorative bike jersey and cycling nutrition, must be able to keep an average pace of 15 miles per hour. A rest day is included in each week.
05.
Belmont, OH to State College, PA!
Approximately a 270-mile ride.
Join us for Week 4 of R4E, launching from Belmont, OH at 7 AM! We invite you to pedal for a purpose! For those planning to stay overnight at each stop, please note that riders will be responsible for their own hotel arrangements. As a participant, you’ll receive a commemorative bike jersey and cycling nutrition, must be able to keep an average pace of 15 miles per hour. A rest day is included in each week.
06.
State College, PA to Wallstreet (NY, NY)!
Approximately a 320-mile ride.
Join us for Week 5 of R4E, launching from State College, PA at 7 AM! We invite you to pedal for a purpose! For those planning to stay overnight at each stop, please note that riders will be responsible for their own hotel arrangements. As a participant, you’ll receive a commemorative bike jersey and cycling nutrition, must be able to keep an average pace of 15 miles per hour. A rest day is included in each week.
Join Our Journey for Equity
Organized by Black Leaders Detroit, participate in our ride to raise funds and awareness for entrepreneurs of African descent. Every mile matters!
Our Approach
How We Operate
Engagement
We engage local communities through outreach and participation in events to raise awareness.
Fundraising
Our organization organizes events to support funding for entrepreneurs of African descent and their businesses.
Support Programs
We provide resources and programs to nurture and support business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in their journeys.
Ride For Equity has been a life-changing experience. The sense of community and purpose motivates me to fight for economic justice.
Alice Johnson
Participating in this ride has opened my eyes to the challenges faced by entrepreneurs of African descent and the importance of solidarity in our communities.
James Smith
Hear From Our Participants and Supporters
Testimonials from those who believe in the power of equity and community support.
General FAQ’s
What Time do I need to Arrive?
Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to each ride to allow time to unload your bike, park your car, pick up your T-shirt or jersey, change into your T-shirt or jersey, pick up refreshments ride packet and then get to the starting point.
Where does my registration fee go?
All net proceeds will directly benefit Black Leaders Detroit and funding for black entrepreneurs in the city of Detroit.
What will I receive as part of my registration fee?
On the day of the ride, you will receive an event T-shirt, refreshments and the gratitude of Black Leaders Detroit and the entrepreneurs we support.
Can I listen to music while riding in the Ride For Equity?
Yes, participants are permitted to listen to music while riding, but it must be done using headphones. External speakers are not allowed to ensure that riders can hear any important directions or announcements from the lead rider and maintain safety on the route.
Can children participate in the kickoff?
Yes, of course. And they ride for free! Since we’re expecting a large number of participants for the kickoff, all we ask is that parents stay with their children during the ride to ensure they are safe and accounted for.
Can I cancel my registration and receive a refund?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds. However, your fee will support a worthy cause. You may transfer your registration to another person. To do so, please call 313-550-4343.
Riding Questions
Safety is our top priority. Please remember that the Ride for Equity is on open roads, so cyclists will be riding with vehicular traffic and must obey traffic laws. All cyclists are required to wear a helmet. To help ensure your safety on the kickoff ride, there will be course marshals, directional signage, and police patrols.
Can I register for multiple rides?
Yes, register for as many rides as you please. There will be a registration fee for each ride.
Who do I call if I’m experiencing trouble or get lost during the ride?
Contact a BLD team member at 313-550-4343
When does each ride start?
Each ride launches at 8am.
Do I have to follow the rules of the road?
Yes. After the kickoff, traffic will not be stopped for the remaining rides. Riders are expected to obey traffic lights and signs.
How much training should I do?
If you plan on participating in rides other than the the take-off you should be comfortable riding at the minimum pace of 12 MPH for at least 50 miles. (Please note: You do not have to ride the distance you registered for if you feel you are not prepared the day of the ride.)
Will there be breaks during the longer rides?
Refreshments and supplemental nutrition will be distributed at the beginning of each ride. Breaks will be taken along the route to replenish your body and restock your supplies.
Will food be provided?
Lunch will be provided each day during the ride, and food will be provided during our SPEAK FOR YOURSELF events in Flint and Petosky only. On other days, participants will be responsible for paying for their own dinners.
Do I have to make my own hotel reservations if staying overnight?
Yes, click here for the names of the hotels where the BLD has blocked rooms for the ride.
Donation Questions
Where will my donations go?
All donations will directly benefit Black Leaders Detroit and funding for black entrepreneurs in the city of Detroit.
Can I set-up a team fundraising page?
Yes, you can set-up a team fundraising page and support BLD’s mission by getting your friends and family to donate. Click here then register, then create a team to start a team page.
Can I make a donation to Ride for Equity if I’m not riding?
Absolutely, you can make a donation online and become a BLD member.
Is my donation and/or registration tax deductible?
Donations are tax-deductible; $52 of each registration fee is tax-deductible.
Can I volunteer?
Yes, click here to access the volunteer sign-up form.
Take Action Now
Join Us in Making a Difference Today!
Get involved by donating, volunteering, or participating in our bike ride. Together, we can fuel equity and change lives.
