“Riding a bike is an activity that somehow breathes life back into you. It can help clear your mind and embodies childhood nostalgia with such enchantment. No wonder this bike ride event is so popular among Black women.
In tandem with this event came the “And Still We Ride” Awards, which took place a day before the “ride out.” “Last year, 2023, was the first time we did the award ceremony celebrating Black women in the community and girls in the community. And this year, I knew I wanted it to be bigger,” shared Lovejoy with .
“I wanted it to be its own thing. I wanted it to be intentional. So, eventually it will build up to be a really recognized award ceremony.
That’s the goal. The ceremony was intimately set in the heart of Williamsburg at The Soft Space, with attendees impeccably dressed. A small memorial for the late and unfairly taken Sonya Massey was on display to honor her.
Each woman honored with an award has stood tall in her convictions and extended a helping hand to her own community to thrive. Ayo Harrington, Chanel L. Porchia-Albert, Farhia Tato, Gia Love, and Isatou Fatty, the award winners, are five women with vastly different backgrounds.
Yet, riding bikes holds a special place in each of their lives. Harrington is an East Villager in New York City who has been involved in the local community garden as well as Civil Rights Movements since the 1960s. She’s an advocate for housing ownership for those who have reclaimed or rehabilitated buildi.