Studying Time: 3 minutes
After passing by way of the suburbs of Milwaukee, Eric “Shake” James realized there was an absence of bikes in Milwaukee’s underserved communities, prompting him to launch an annual bike giveaway known as “Black on the Block.”
James gave away 500 bikes on June 21 at 1935 W. Hampton Ave., together with free assets and meals for households.
James realized North Facet youngsters lacked train alternatives when he noticed suburban youngsters in Whitefish Bay and Oak Creek had tons of bikes and bike racks at their colleges.
“These youngsters are using to highschool, however if you come to the interior metropolis, the children listed here are getting to highschool solely on buses, and childhood weight problems is sort of a actual factor,” James mentioned.
The giveaway was organized by JAY Academy, his nonprofit group that gives wellness, arts schooling, skilled improvement and extra to assist Milwaukee youths.
Neighborhood assist boosts efforts
Annually the amount of bikes has elevated by 100. To get the bikes, James partnered with native organizations like Bader Philanthropies Inc. and obtained donations from neighborhood members like UFC fighter Montel Jackson.
“Montel noticed me at Walmart getting the bikes, and he simply gave me $5,000 proper there on the spot and informed me he favored what I used to be doing,” James mentioned.
Extra assist got here from Ald. Andrea Pratt and Mayor Cavalier Jonhson, who’ve visited the occasion earlier than and helped market it.
These in want
Through the bike giveaway, Dannetta Jones and her two daughters, 12-year-old Iyanna and 9-year-old Tianna, returned to get new bikes.
Dannetta hopes that her daughters and different youngsters deal with their new bikes.
“Final 12 months, their bikes received torn up quick,” Dannetta mentioned.
Tianna felt dangerous when there was a gap in her tire after letting her cousin trip it, and nobody would share theirs together with her.
“I didn’t like that it was tousled, so I actually needed a brand new one,” Tianna mentioned.
Tianna plans to go to her cousin’s home together with her new bike.
Greater than only a bike
For Iyanna, she sees her new bike as a brand new type of transportation and a way of independence as she usually goes to her native retailer and rides alone.
“I’m excited to have this new bike as a result of I can go anyplace now with out having to stroll,” Iyanna mentioned.
“It’s a present that somebody received for me and I’m grateful for it,” Iyanna mentioned.
James finds pleasure seeing the kids obtain their bikes as a result of he thinks it’s higher than being on the cellphone or a online game.
“They received to get outdoors and begin having fun with all these various things that town of Milwaukee has to supply,” James mentioned.
Higher assets for a brand new era
Alecia Ball is a McGovern Park resident who introduced her three grandchildren to the bike giveaway. She has full custody of them due to the dying of their mom.
Ball’s grandchildren had toys at dwelling however no bikes. Initially, she aimed to buy one for them, however came upon concerning the occasion by way of Fb.
Ball hopes that every one the kids truly use the bikes and have enjoyable with them as they’re receiving assets she by no means had.
“Once I was raised, we didn’t have any help like this, so this free giveaway makes a distinction in the neighborhood,” Ball mentioned.
Plans to enhance
James has plans to broaden the giveaway by arranging a neighborhood group trip for the kids by subsequent 12 months.
As well as, James is searching for assist to advertise bike security for the kids by bringing again free helmets.
Through the first 12 months of the giveaway, helmets got here with the bikes, however they had been excluded in later giveaways due to prices.
“I’m looking for any person to cope with, with the helmet state of affairs, as a result of these run about $20 to $40,” James mentioned.
In keeping with James, “Black on the Block” is his second-largest occasion the place lots of of persons are in line ready for one thing good.
James needs mother and father to know that he understands their state of affairs and needs what’s finest for the kids.
“I do know it’s powerful proper now, however we’re going to combat our means by way of it collectively,” James mentioned.
Republish our articles at no cost, on-line or in print, below a Artistic Commons license.
