$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 as far as you want, wherever you want. You can be part of Ride For Unity from anywhere in Detroit, across the country, or around the world. Choose your own route, ride at your own pace, and participate in a way that feels right for you.
Riders who raise $100 or more will receive the official Ride For Unity jersey. Share your ride, your miles, and your story on social media and help turn every mile into momentum for unity and community 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.
Anything is possible and I mean absolutely ANYTHING. How do I know that? This was made evident to me as we headed to one of the planned rest stop. I watched the riders in front of me fall into a single line as we made a left turn onto the shoulder of a single lane road. I was near the end and watched each one pedaling — pedaling ourselves to New York City. No one gave us permission to do what we did. No one gave Dwan permission to carry out his vision. No one gave each rider the permission to wake up everyday and make the choice to get on their bike and pedal over 1700 miles over the course of 35 days. No one, but our own self. It was then when it became crystal clear to me, that it is our own self that denies us of our own greatness. Whatever we set our mind to do will be achieved only if YOU, not anyone else, give yourself permission to do so. It is then we can collectively do some awesome things in life.
– Linda Jackson
Each of the five BLD Rides for Equity have left a lasting mark on me . . . physically and emotionally. Seeing parts of the state and country we only zoom by in cars, listening and learning from people we wouldn’t normally have a chance to visit with along the way, are all a part of the R4E magic.
– Doug Bitonti Stewart
What’s interesting on this ride is you realize the different people that you need to pick you up
– Carl Jackson III
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.
