For decades, the Brotherhood Crusade has been a beacon of light to communities-in-need. On Saturday, Oct. 5, the organization continued its legacy by partnering with Golden State Food Foundation by donating 50 brand-new bikes to youth at its annual Build a Bike giveaway on the Los Angeles Sentinel parking lot in South L.A.
“In addition to receiving bikes, the event helped young people learn to build the bikes, learn safety skills, and even foster expressions of gratitude,” said Stacy Hill-Williams, Executive Vice President with the Brotherhood Crusade. Hill-Williams says the event is aimed at helping underprivileged youth.
The organization aimed to not only distribute bikes, but also demonstrate to children that building something from many pieces can eventually lead to a stronger unit. Also, young people can have pride in knowing that they were engaged in STEM to build a bike to ride in their own community.
According to Charisse Bremond-Weaver, President and CEO of Brotherhood Crusade, the event highlights the importance of health and wellness that all students should have the opportunity to build and ride a bike in the community that they grow-up in.
“I have so much joy to see our students engage in STEM to build a bike,” said Bremond Weaver.
Participants also received training on bike safety and maintenance skills to ensure they could ride safely in their communities.
Volunteer and parent Shawn Tucley brought his four children to receive bikes as well as learn to build them.
“I love volunteering, I love giving to the community, and this is a blessing to get it right back,” he said. Tulcey said the most challenging part was teaching balance and confidence to the young riders.
“To have loving people right there with the children, helping them with what part goes where and why, in building something of their own, was invaluable,” said Hill-Williams.
Bremond-Weaver reflected on the joy of receiving her first bike. “I was seven years of age when I received my first bike. My mom and dad brought a bike home for Christmas. I lived across the street from Ladera Park. I was so excited. I rode that bike every day.”
Brotherhood Crusade thanked key partners, contributors, and volunteers for supporting the health benefits of biking, which was a theme throughout the day.
Hill-Williams said that Frank Woodson and Lisa connected the Brotherhood Crusade with Golden State Foods and the Golden State Food Foundation, who partnered to bring the young people and volunteers together.
“It feels like God is giving us all gifts,” said a grateful Jordan, who helped build his new bike and received information and accessories before riding off happy and grateful.
“Well, for us, it’s really about helping our young people around self-esteem, confidence, happiness, and an understanding that the community and Brotherhood Crusade cares about their well-being,” Bremond-Weaver said.
