There is an unspoken understanding of the times we are in between all Mississippians. Aside from the global health pandemic, the neo-civil rights movement has forced many of us to face the cruel reality that has been for centuries: Black life and Black health are in danger and have never been prioritized or viewed as valuable. Which is why it was such a refreshing sight to see Black men in the community of Jackson organizing something as simple, but important as a bike ride for people to exercise together.
Gedi & Coke Bumaye captured by (@shotbyblockk)
We talked to the creators of the Can I Live Community Bike Ride about their inspiration and what they hope to provide to the community. Meet rap artist Coke Bumaye & Entrepreneur Gedi, who says the bike ride is “A refreshing of your mind.” He explains, “When you have frustrations through the week, I think a bike ride could help clear that and help you live longer.”
Cardio is key and movement is resistance. Coke reminds us how important it is for your mind and body to be aligned, especially today. “How can you be a true revolutionary or whatever you call yourself (we not revolutionary don’t get this shit twisted) or activists and not be physically and mentally prepared for all that comes with that?”
While we beg to differ and we feel that Coke and the whole Relentless crew are indeed revolutionaries, he’s right. He speaks to how “guys like us, from our communities or the places we come from” are not always encouraged to take care of themselves holistically. While pouring from an empty cup is something Black people are accustomed to, it does not mean it’s conducive.
I think we gotta take care of ourselves first then we can take care of our families. - Coke Bumaye
Captured by (@shotbyblockk)
When we first pulled up to the infamous Welcome to Jackson sign, the energy was high and we could feel the community. With about 20 riders present, everyone seemed excited to be there. It felt just like family.
captured by (@shotbyblockk)
What do you guys see this growing to?
Coke: I don’t think we really go into anything we do looking at it like that. I think these are things we do without interviews or cameras or anything and you get so many people hitting us on the gram or whatever or our friends like man CALL ME WHEN YOU DOING THIS. So really to cut out all the bs, we just put it on the gram, pull up if you wanna pull up if you don’t, if don’t nobody come we appreciate everybody who do come but if don't nobody come, we still gone buss a block, we still gone do our thing.
To keep up with Coke Bumaye and the Relentless family's community efforts be sure to follow Coke Bumaye (@cokebumaye) and Gedi (@gediii) on Instagram for updates! Check Coke Bumaye's latest album, 'Nobody Owes Me Nothing' here. You can purchase merch from Relentless Clothing here. Support artists, creatives, community leaders by engaging with their content, shopping and talking to people about them. That's that 'Sipp Talk.