A Michigan man is pedaling with his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur with the hope of inspiring and helping others.
With Gil Scott in his ears, Dwan Dandridge, CEO of Black Leaders Detroit, began his third day of biking from Detroit to Mackinaw.
“The pandemic has shed light on a problem that existed long before the pandemic occurred,” Dandridge said.
That problem is equal access to capital for black entrepreneurs.
“We want to make sure we seize the moment to really solve the problem,” Dandridge said.
So, Dandridge is confiscating the handlebars of his bikes to raise awareness and money for Detroit, the black leaders of his organization, and they’re giving micro grants during the pandemic.
“I’ve been cycling for a few years, never quite this serious or anything close. When I go out on a bike I usually ride twenty miles.”
Dandridge is riding 377 miles on this journey. He took off in a Holiday Inn Express and Tittabawasi’s suit just before noon. He has to cover about 50 miles before the day ends.
All that for the man who has a pacemaker in his chest.
“We’ve thrown up some hurdles and hurdles early on, but that’s nothing compared to what entrepreneurs are right now? So, if they can improve and do what they need to do to survive, we’re going to do a little bit. C can do rainy weather, a little bit of a hassle,” Dandridge said.
One of the unexpected joys of a week-long trip is the people it meets.
“I’m really enjoying meeting people, it’s crazy, when we get a chance to stop and talk to some people, the welcome we’re getting is really therapeutic. And I kind of I’m talking to everybody,” Dandridge said.
With 106 miles down, he’s riding Claire today and will be in northern Michigan by Saturday for the Mackinac policy conference.
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