The Black is Beautiful: II led a group of hundreds of cyclists supporting Black people in Milwaukee and around the world on a roughly 12-mile ride on the sunny afternoon of Aug. 16.
Organizers of the event said they want to spread love, peace and awareness about the Black community by riding their bicycles through the city to keep the peaceful protests moving as protestors seeking justice for George Floyd and the Black community enter their 79th day of protests in Milwaukee. Co-founder of the event Sam Ahmed, also known as WebsterX, said he wants to keep protestor’s spirits high as protest activity has slowed recently.
“Today is about love and solidarity and kind of reminding Milwaukee, especially now that the protests have died down a little bit, that we’re still very much so out here and trying to make an impact by any means necessary,” said Ahmed.
Cyclists had the pleasure of having Mr. New York DJ along their route, which took most them, including Ahmed on his bright coral colored bike, through Milwaukee’s south side. Mr. New York said they shortened the route from the 18-miles the first ride covered to give people a more leisurely route.
The Marquette University Black Student Council helped participants register to vote by providing forms and information as riders gathered at Kilbourn Reservoir Park an hour before the cyclists set off. Council Members said they want to continue a long tradition of promoting representation.
“It’s something our elders did so we’re trying to keep that legacy alive and empower young people to get out and use their voices,” said President of Marquette University’s Black Student Council Alexcia Kilgore.
Wheel & Sprocket also provided free repairs and maintenance to cyclists who need them before and during the event. President of Wheel & Sprocket Noel Kegel said helping this event is part of his company’s community outreach effort and he supports the idea of using cycling as a way to deal with some mental health issues. He estimated Wheel & Sprocket mechanics helped around 150 different people before riders embarked.
“We’ve been around the area for a long time and we’re really heavily involved in the community, so when there’s a ride like this we want to help and show up,” said Kegel.