In 2023, Philadelphia therapist Iresha Picot created Black Girl Joy Bike Ride, a now-weekly cycling group between Black women, writes Wakisha Bailey for CBS News Philadelphia.
For Picot, her goal is to promote community, joy, and Black women putting themselves first.
“As Black women, we’ve been conditioned to put everybody else’s needs before our own. A lot of us are dying from stress-related diseases, from preventable diseases,” Picot said.
Each week, participants of the Black Girl Joy Bike Ride spend about an hour or so to take a four-to-fiive mile ride through the city.
Those without a bike are able to participate, thanks to Indego Bikes and Philly Bikes.
These rides have led to a number of new friendships.
It has also afforded some women the opportunity to reclaim their peace and see the city in a new light.
All in all, Picot sees Black Girl Joy Bike Ride as a movement that brings Black women together in the name of community and love.
Read more about the Black Girl Joy Bike Ride and the positive impact it has at CBS News Philadelphia.
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