Fourth Annual Ride For Equity: Advocating for Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs of African Descent

temp-post-image

Black Leaders Detroit (BLD) is proud to announce the fourth annual Ride for Equity, a transformative event aimed at raising awareness and advocating for increased access to capital for entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders of African descent in Detroit. The ride will kick off at New Lab from 8 AM to 11 AM on Saturday, May 17. The event will begin with cyclists gathering for the ride, led by Dwan, who will deliver opening remarks before the ride begins. Several engagement stations will be set up, including an energizer table and a T-shirt pickup station for participants.

For those not cycling, additional activities will encourage community engagement. Trap Yoga will lead a 30-minute yoga session from 8:45 AM to 9:15 AM, offering a high-energy, movement-based experience. Also, City Club Walk will guide a community walk around Michigan Central from 9:15 AM to 10 AM, creating an inclusive way for participants to take part in the event.

The ride itself will take cyclists on a scenic and purposeful journey through Detroit, incorporating key landmarks like the Riverwalk, Belle Isle, East Grand Boulevard, and the Dequindre Cut. Riders can choose between a shorter four-mile loop, turning around at the carousel on the Riverwalk; or the full 20-mile ride, which includes a loop around Belle Isle before returning via Grand Boulevard and the Dequindre Cut.

While the cyclists complete their route, the goal is to foster a lively and interactive space for those at the starting point, reinforcing Black Leaders Detroit’s mission of equity, opportunity, and unity. "Access to capital remains a critical barrier for many entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders of African descent in our community," said Dwan Dandridge, CEO of Black Leaders Detroit. "The Ride For Equity is our way of shining a spotlight on this issue while rallying support and solidarity from the community."

2025 Ride 4 Equity: Road to Reparations, a powerful journey from Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Wall Street in New York!

This ride unites people from all walks of life to champion equity and uplift businesses owned by persons of African descent nationwide. This ride is designed to be both a community experience and a platform for awareness, bringing people together in a shared commitment to progress.

Registration is now open for both rides www.blackleadersdetroit.org. Whether you're riding locally in Detroit or from Tulsa, New York City, your participation makes a difference. Together, we can close the racial capital gap and create a future where entrepreneurs of African descent have equitable access to funding and opportunity.