July 31st 2024.
As summer heats up, the streets of New York City are buzzing with anticipation for the fifth annual ‘And Still We Ride’ bike ride on August 3rd. This event, dedicated to celebrating Black women's wellness, has grown in popularity each year and is expected to be the largest one yet.
The idea for And Still We Ride originated in 2020 from the minds of Marz Lovejoy and her friend Angie Chavez. Inspired by Maya Angelou's iconic poem, Still I Rise, the initiative focuses on themes of resistance and power. Lovejoy explains that the bike ride is not only a physical activity, but also a symbolic representation of the strength and unity within the Black community. "It's a reminder that we're here and we gather," she says.
This year, the ride will kick off at Manuel Plaza in NoHo, accompanied by cultural producer Diamon Fisher. In collaboration with the NYC-based organization Black Gotham Experience, riders will have the opportunity to learn about Black history and landmarks throughout the city. The festivities will continue with an award ceremony on August 2nd, honoring several Black women for their contributions to their communities. Ayo Harrington, Chanel Porchia-Albert, Farhia Tato, Gia Love, and Isatou F. are just a few of the amazing women being recognized. And to top it all off, all riders and volunteers will come together for a massive block party in Brooklyn, complete with food, music, wellness services, and bike tune-ups.
Lovejoy emphasizes the importance of inclusion in the And Still We Ride initiative. "Angie is Latina, and I think it's a beautiful thing that she came on board with me and never wavered," she says. "Not everything is meant for everybody, but that doesn't mean we can't show up for our brothers, our sisters, our siblings, and for their cause." Lovejoy continues to work tirelessly to keep the initiative going, especially since the 2020 pandemic. "The reason why I keep on doing it is because on the day that everybody shows up, we're riding together, the vibes are up, and then after, everybody is just like, 'Dang, this was so beautiful. I needed this,'" she shares.
In addition to promoting wellness and unity, And Still We Ride also raises funds for local nonprofits that focus on Black women's wellness. Some of these organizations include Mama Glow Foundation, Black Women's Blueprint, and Gays & Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society. Last year, the bike ride even featured a grocery distribution, demonstrating the initiative's commitment to supporting its community in every way possible.
The bike ride is not just an event, but a movement. It brings people of all backgrounds and communities together to celebrate and support Black women. Lovejoy hopes that through this initiative, others will be inspired to show up and support causes that may not directly affect them, but are important to their brothers, sisters, and siblings. As she says, "not everything is meant for everybody, but that doesn't mean we can't show up for each other."
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