Ride For Unity: A community that believes in fairness.
Pedal Toward Unity, Justice, and Opportunity
Ride For Unity is a community-powered cycling fundraiser that brings people together through movement, storytelling, and shared purpose—supporting Black Leaders Detroit’s mission and advancing equitable opportunity.
$6M+
Distributed to Black-Owned Businesses
and organizations led by Detroiters of African descent.
900+
Businesses and Organizations Supported
Make a difference in your community by participating in our fundraising efforts.
273k+
Collective Miles
Collectively, our riders have logged more than 273,000 miles—turning movement into momentum for change.
Our Mission for Unity and Justice
Our differences don’t divide us—they move us forward. Ride For Unity (R4U) is a cycling fundraiser that brings people together through movement, storytelling, and community conversations in support of Black Leaders Detroit’s mission.
From the Heart of Detroit
For the first time, Black Leaders Detroit’s signature ride will take place entirely in Detroit—centering the city, its people, and its story in a powerful, local celebration of connection and shared purpose.
The route highlights iconic landmarks and corridors like the Detroit Riverwalk, Motown Museum, Joe Louis Greenway, Mexicantown, Michigan Central, and other historic touchpoints that reflect Detroit’s legacy of creativity, resilience, and innovation.
Along the way, riders and community members will gather for storytelling, wellness activations, and community conversations—turning Detroit’s streets into a moving platform for unity, dialogue, and civic pride.
For MOre Details on each event, please email tiana@blackleadersdetroit.org
Click Here For Full Journey Details
RIDE YOUR OWN WAY
Ride wherever you are, however you move. Ride For Unity welcomes participants from Detroit and beyond—whether you’re cycling locally, riding your own route, or supporting the movement in spirit.
Choose the distance that works for you, share your journey, and be part of a collective effort that turns individual action into shared impact.
Join Our Journey for Unity
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 Unity 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
Voices from riders, supporters, and community members who believe in the power of unity and shared purpose.
General FAQ’s
When is the Ride for Equity (R4E)?
The 2025 Ride for Equity is May 31 – July 4th
Can children participate in R4E?
All riders must be at least 18 years old to participate
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.
How can I participate in R4E?
– Register to ride! Join us for a day, a week…as much of the ride as you can.
– Register as a virtual rider – Can’t get time off work? Is riding a bike not your thing? Sign up as a virtual rider and support by fundraising and spreading the word about BLD.
– Volunteer! Volunteers are needed before, during, and after the event.
Where does R4E 2025 start?
R4E will ride out of Tulsa as part of the 4 th Annual Ride to Remember Black Wall Street.
The start line is at 400 N Main St, Tulsa
If I cancel my registration, will I receive a refund?
Registration fees are non-refundable. However, your fee will support a worthy cause.
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.
What time do we start riding each day?
Day 1 (May 31) will kick off at 7am.
Start time for all other days will be determined the night before but will be no earlier than 7am and no later than 8am.
Can I listen to music while riding in R4E?
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 I register for multiple days/weeks?
Yes! We would love to have you join us for as much of the ride as you can.
Who do I call if I’m experiencing trouble or get lost during the ride?
Contact R4E support at 313-550-4343
Do I have to follow the rules of the road?
Yes, Riders are expected to obey traffic lights and signs.
Can you help me find another participant to share a hotel room with?
Please send an email to carrie@blackleadersdetroit.org and we will do our best to pair you up with another participant looking for a roommate.
How much training should I do?
Riders should be comfortable riding at a minimum pace of 15 MPH for at least 50 miles per day.
How many miles do we ride each day?
Distance for each day varies. Shorter days are just over 30 miles, and our longer days are close to 75 miles. Distances are subject to change and days may be shortened or lengthened as needed. Click Here to see the approximate distance by day.
Will food be provided?
Snacks, hydration and lunch will be provided each day during the ride. If breakfast is not offered at the event hotel a breakfast pack will be provided. Participants
staying at a hotel other than the event hotel will be responsible for their own breakfast. All participants are responsible for paying for their own dinners.
Do I have to make my own hotel reservations if staying overnight?
Yes, once you are registered we can share the list event hotels.
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 R4E be able to help me with transportation?
Participants are responsible for getting themselves to/from the ride route. If you would like to join us for part of the ride, we will coordinate shuttles to the closest airport when needed.
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.
Do I need to fundraise to participate?
While riders are not required to fundraise, we encourage you to set up your fundraising page and support BLD’s mission even further by asking your network to make a
donation and support your ride. Not riding but still want to fundraise? Register as a virtual rider and you will have access to the same fundraising tools.
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 fee 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.
