Amid mass divisiveness in America due to political strife, Jonathan Williams, 45, and Andre Block Sr., 36, have set out on a mission to cultivate unity. Williams, a white conservative and Block, a black liberal, are biking the Underground Railroad to learn, grow and spark change.
The Unity Ride is a cross-country road trip that started in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Memorial Day. The cyclists will bike the path of the Underground Railroad from New Orleans and will end on July 1 at Harriet Tubman's church in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. In total, Williams and Block will bike nearly 2,700 miles.
The purpose of their journey is to show that differences can unite us rather than tear us apart.
“They want to highlight the positive,” spokeswoman Nelia Revoredo-Dibiase told Blavity in an interview on Sunday, June 17.
“It’s been an eye-opening experience,” Williams said.
One of their first stops was the Omni Royal Hotel in New Orleans. The historic landmark was once a prominent location for the slave trade in the 19th century.
Williams and Block first met in 2015 at a New Year's Eve party. The first Unity Ride took place in 2017, and they biked from California to Washington D.C. As close friends and seasoned bikers, they wanted their next cycling trip to serve a higher purpose.
So this time around they are more intentional about learning and showcasing that political differences don’t have to divide us as a nation. Block is a full-time student, and Williams is the founder of Accord Federal Services.
“Yes, we are two guys that see things two different ways, but we can work hard and accomplish things together," Block told the Knoxville News. "Watch us do it, and maybe others can find a way to do it, too.”
Williams said he hopes other people will become more open-minded. While stopping in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, it surprised him that he knew so little about the city's rich black history.
“It’s been a humbling experience,” he said.
“I lived in Knoxville for 17 years, and there is a lot of Underground Railroad history right here that I just never took the time to learn about. It’s right in my backyard," Williams told Blavity.
Williams continued: “I’ve learned to be more apathetic and understanding. There is a real struggle, and everybody needs a little help along the way.”
Their trip has not come without challenges. In the first couple of weeks, they've had two bikes stolen and a few flat tires.
“Yesterday, as well as today are a couple of the hardest days of The Unity Ride this year. The climbs in this area are crazy steep. I'm so proud of my guys!” Block tweeted.
Yesterday, as well as today are a couple of the hardest days of The Unity Ride this year. The climbs in this area are crazy steep. I'm so proud of my guys!— Andre' Block (@Dre918) June 14, 2018
Block and Williams plan on turning the journey into a documentary as a small film crew accompanies them. Their team recently brought on Monty Ross, a notable film producer who has worked with Spike Lee, as creative director.
"It has been an adventure," Block said. "Let me tell you; folks are going to want to stay tuned for this one."
Throughout their venture, the two have met Americans from all walks of life such as a 94-year-old black man from Mississippi who they shared laughs with at a Subway restaurant. Another man they encountered found their trip to be questionable.
“He didn't believe change could happen. He didn't believe that Andre and I could create change. We told him you have to make change happen, and it first starts with changing yourself,” Williams said.
Their upcoming stops include the Harriet Beecher Stowe House and the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio; The Underground Railroad Memorial in Detroit, Michigan; and the Josiah Henson Home and Lucy and Thornton Blackburn Memorial in Toronto, Canada.
“Open your hearts and minds. Listen and have a dialogue. At the end of the day, we are pretty much the same. We want the country to be a better place, and we want the world to be a better place. We may have different viewpoints and opinions on how to get there, but once you open your mind — you will learn more about yourself and other people.”
