Alright, so I’ve made disclaimers before about how the Hub is not a political advocacy organization. But I’ve got to mention something with a little bit of a political nature to it.
I’m inviting you to this rally. Let me tell you why and what it has to do with our bike shop.
First what it DOESN’T have to do with the Hub
This story really has a lot to do with gun control, gun culture and guns in general. At the Hub we have a policy of no weapons on our premises, but we aren’t an advocacy organization for gun policy. We are a bike shop and community center.
This is what this rally DOES have to do with the Hub
I’ve seen the photos of Trayvon and he looks like some of the youth I work with on Saturdays here at the Hub. He was also shot doing what we try to get our youth to do: be empowered to move about their world with independence. We help youth build their own bikes so they can get around their neighborhoods under their own power.
So while the youth that come to the Hub may not all look exactly like Trayvon, they may act like him. They may use their bikes to go to the corner store and pick up some snacks for their friends. Does this form of youth empowerment make them look “suspicious”?
It isn’t all about neighborhood watchers with itchy trigger fingers shooting kids either. It is about anyone out there firing bullets through neighborhoods for any reason. Our kids are getting caught in the crossfire. Because of things like this it is better to stay inside and play video games. Avoid the outdoors where it is “dangerous”. Avoid a whole community of people you could interact with and learn from.
The Hub is looking to exist in a different world. We are working towards one where youth are free to travel under their own power and explore their own neighborhoods.
With that in mind. See you at Hart Plaza at 6pm. Wear a hoodie.
Our friends Fender Bender Detroit will be organizing a group ride from their location to downtown for the rally if you wanna meet up with other cyclists to go to the event.
– jason x