Inspiring youth cyclists foster interracial friendship and healing with community events and service projects in St. Louis.
St. Louis, MO – On June 16, 2025, the Riders for Race Amity, a cross-country youth cycling initiative, will arrive in St. Louis as part of their inspirational relay from Madison, WI, to Montgomery, AL. This youth-led movement aims to bridge racial divides through meaningful dialogue, educational engagement, and community service.
This extraordinary initiative involves eight young cyclists aged 13 to 18, guided by their adult mentors and organizing crew. With every stop, the Riders for Race Amity seek to spark discussions that challenge societal divides and foster a deeper understanding of race and unity, encouraging communities to build lasting friendships and connections.
Media and Public Events
The St. Louis community is invited to participate in welcoming the riders and joining activities designed to inspire meaningful conversations and community action. Here’s what’s on the schedule:
Press Conference: Meet the riders and hear their stories at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 16, at the St. Louis NAACP offices, 4811 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis.
Community Dialogue: At 5 p.m., an open conversation will take place at the NAACP headquarters. This discussion is open to everyone interested in learning about racial healing, sharing experiences, and building better friendships across racial divides.
Both events encourage participation from the media and public alike, and all are invited to bring a friend to contribute to these impactful discussions.
Community Service Project
The Riders for Race Amity don’t just talk the talk. They take action as well. While in St. Louis, the team will collaborate with local faith leaders and volunteers at West Side Missionary Baptist Church (4675 Page Ave), assisting in relief efforts for residents affected by the recent storms. Working in partnership with the Red Cross, the church has been instrumental in providing food, supplies, and emotional support to those in need. This service project highlights the movement’s core belief that unity thrives when communities work together for the common good.
What Is Riders for Race Amity?
Riders for Race Amity is more than just an ambitious bike ride – it’s a movement dedicated to fostering understanding, empathy, and collaboration among people of different racial and cultural backgrounds. Organizers aim to break down the historical barriers of prejudice and division by creating opportunities for dialogue and shared experiences.
The relay ride, which spans from June 13 to June 28, 2025, passes through key cities that serve as historical touchpoints for civil rights and racial unity. Riders visit community hubs, lead discussions, and engage in service projects to create lasting impacts on every community they visit.
The route includes stops in Rockford, IL, Peoria, IL, Nashville, TN, Birmingham, AL, and more, before culminating in Montgomery, AL, where the riders will host a closing celebration on June 28.
Why It Matters
The vision behind Riders for Race Amity is grounded in the belief that friendship, resilience, and understanding across racial lines can transform the way we approach race relations. This youth-led movement highlights:
Cross-generational learning through shared dialogue.
A commitment to community healing in partnership with local organizations.
Historical acknowledgment, using the physical route as a tribute to landmarks of unity, resilience, and progress.
Get Involved
Want to show your support or learn more? Here’s how you can join the movement:
Attend the St. Louis Events on June 16.
Spread the Word by sharing updates online and with family and friends.
Volunteer or Donate to help Riders for Race Amity continue their work in promoting racial healing and community support projects.
For additional information about Riders for Race Amity, you can visit their website at www.Riders4RaceAmity.org. Media inquiries can be directed to:
On the ride: Kate Vestlie – (608)-658-0431
General information: Glen Fullmer – (847)-440-6787
Email contact: Riders4RaceAmity@gmail.com
Join the Movement
Whether you see the riders in action, participate in dialogue events, or lend a hand in relief efforts, the message of Riders for Race Amity is clear—we achieve more when we work together. This June, we invite the St. Louis community to come together, take part in meaningful discussions, and help shape a future built on unity, understanding, and friendship.
#RaceAmity #UnityRide #StLouisEvents
