Courtesy of Black Leaders Detroit and Ride for Equity
In a historic and powerful ride for change, cyclists will pedal 1,645 miles across the United States, starting from the iconic Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the financial epicenter of Wall Street in New York City. This cross-country journey, part of the 4th Annual Ride for Equity, aims to raise awareness and funds to close the racial capital gap and support African American entrepreneurs in their quest for economic justice and fair opportunities.
Hosted by Black Leaders Detroit, this iconic event, a fusion of endurance, community, and purpose, is more than just a ride, it’s a movement. This year, Ride for Equity will embark on a groundbreaking cross-country cycling campaign aimed at raising awareness and funding to close the racial wealth gap and support African American entrepreneurs.
From May 31 to July 4, 2025, cyclists will journey from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the birthplace of the legendary Black Wall Street, to the heart of America’s financial power, Wall Street in New York City. This 1,645-mile trek is a testament to resilience and a modern-day call to action for reparations and economic justice.
Dwan Dandridge, the Co-Founder and CEO of Black Leaders Detroit, highlighted that Black entrepreneurs and Black labor have historically generated immense wealth, yet time and time again, that wealth has been stripped away or denied to the very people who created it.
“From places like Black Wall Street to countless other communities, there has been a deliberate effort to remove economic power from Black hands,” Dandridge said.
Courtesy of Black Leaders Detroit and Ride for Equity
The Ride for Equity is a tribute to the legacy of Black Wall Street and a call to action for economic justice. Cyclists will set out on May 31, 2025, at 7:00 AM from 400 N. Main St. in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a location that once thrived as a symbol of Black prosperity. From there, riders will navigate through multiple states, pushing through diverse landscapes while raising awareness and funds to combat the racial capital gap. The ride will culminate in New York City on July 4, 2025, where the journey’s triumph will coincide with a nationwide celebration of independence,yet another opportunity to highlight the economic inequities that still persist.
Journey of Miles: Tulsa to New York City
- Distance: 1,645 miles
- Pace: 15 miles per hour
- Daily Mileage: 50 miles per day
- Rest Days: One day off each week
- Participants Receive: A commemorative bike jersey and cycling nutrition
Along the way, riders will connect with local communities to amplify their message of economic justice. Every mile ridden is a step closer to highlighting the critical need for equitable access to capital and opportunities for entrepreneurs of African descent.
“Ride For Equity was life-changing. The sense of community and purpose keeps me motivated to continue the fight for economic justice,” A. Johnson, a past participant, said.
This is a chance to be part of something larger than oneself. Cyclists from around the world are invited to join this historic journey, whether by riding the full route, participating in a portion of the ride, or cycling independently in their own cities. Every participant will contribute to making a tangible difference in the fight for economic justice.
Participation in the Ride for Equity is open to cyclists from around the world! Whether you choose to ride the full 1,645-mile route, join a portion of the journey, or cycle independently in your own city, you can be part of this transformative movement.
“Participating in this ride opened my eyes to the challenges entrepreneurs of African descent face and the importance of solidarity within our communities,” J. Smith, a past rider, said.
Cyclists who raise or donate at least $100 by July 4, 2025, will receive the official Ride For Equity jersey. If the fundraising goal isn’t met, participants agree to cover the remaining balance. You can choose your own route, ride at your own pace, and share your journey on social media, because every mile counts in the fight for economic justice.
Join Black Leaders Detroit and the Community Light Foundation for the ceremonial kickoff and start of the ride on May 31, 2025, at 7:00 AM from 700 North Greenwood, Tulsa. Riders will have the option to participate in a 15-mile or 35-mile route, honoring the historic site of Black Wall Street and beginning their journey of hope and change.
Weekly Ride Schedule:
- Week 1: Tulsa, OK ➔ Rolla, MO (330 miles)
- Week 2: Rolla, MO ➔ Terre Haute, IN (325 miles)
- Week 3: Terre Haute, IN ➔ Belmont, OH (400 miles)
- Week 4: Belmont, OH ➔ State College, PA (270 miles)
- Week 5: State College, PA ➔ Wall Street, NY, NY (320 miles)
Whether participants ride in Tulsa, New York City, or from their own hometowns, their involvement contributes to creating a future where African American entrepreneurs have the access and resources they deserve. By uniting for this cause, riders can help close the racial capital gap and pave the way for a fairer, more just economy.
“Through the Ride for Equity, we are shining a light on these injustices, not just as history, but as an ongoing reality,” Dandridge said.
“Our goal is to inspire action and remind people why it’s critical to fight for equity in opportunity and resources today.”
Registration is now open at www.blackleadersdetroit.org.
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