In June 2020, Chad Bennett was feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world. A pandemic was ravaging the globe, the death of George Floyd and countless others was driving a social reckoning across the country, and tensions and frustrations were high—especially in Black communities where the economic and physical effects of the pandemic were heightened.

Bennett knew his friends were feeling the same way. So he invited them along for a Father’s Day group ride, and the men began the uphill battle of turning their struggles into something stronger, together.

That 14-mile group ride soon became a weekly occurrence, and Black Watts Cycling Club was born. Now, the group of husbands and dads is using cycling to subvert stereotypes, improve the health and well-being of Black fathers and families, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.

In team kits decorated with drawings from their kids, the men ride through northern and central New Jersey and use their collective power for good, raising funds and awareness for local organizations like the Isaiah House, which provides shelter, food, and supportive services for homeless families and individuals.

Meet the men of Black Watts and learn more about their mission by watching the video below.