Rowers4BLM Ergathon Fundraiser

Rowing has always been seen as a predominantly white and wealthy sport. The sport as a whole has not been working diligently enough towards inclusiveness and diversity. It is time to recognize and use the privilege many of us are privy to in order to support the Black community in the fight against the systemic racism that is running rampant in America. In light of recent events, it is as important as ever to denounce police brutality and demand justice for the innocent lives murdered at the hands of police. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. Too many others. We have to do more to stop this, do better.

We are raising funds per 2k/1mile ran or erged by your participant and dividing them equally amongst the following organizations: Peoples Program - Oakland Bail Fund, Black Voters Matter Fund, Black Visions Collective, and Unicorn Riot. This fundraiser has been organized by a pair of Oakland Strokes alumni who have been moved to give back to the community that has hosted them for generations and help support the black community in their time of need.

This ergathon will take place on June 13, 2020 from 12-4pm (PT) in which your participant will be challenged to complete as many kilometers/miles as possible. Once the ergathon is completed, the participants will be asked to submit evidence of their completed kilometers/miles, then using the information provided we will notify you via email of the distance and corresponding amount owed. Once all donations have been collected, we will divide and donate to these lovely organizations!

Thank you so much for your participation and support! (@rowers4blm on IG)

UPDATE:

Hello Donors!

As we surpass $20k we just wanted to reach out and express our gratitude and share a few words with you all.

Firstly, we are so proud of our community for stepping up to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement and by extension our community of Black rowers. We must remember in these times of violence and injustice that we must continue to let them know through our actions that they are loved and welcomed in our community, that we are dedicated to keeping them safe. At a protest just last night a speaker said, "Black lives don't just matter, they are precious," you all have shown to us that you believe that is true and you are dedicated to uplifting their voices.

We are extremely grateful for the actions you have taken already, but we urge you to continue to practice anti-racism and activism. In the name of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice, Treyvon Martin, Michael Brown, Emmett Till, and the millions of others who have suffered from a system that assumes the color of their skin is equitable to a confession of guilt, use your power for good. 

Thank you all, continue to read about these issues, pursue a deeper understanding, petition and protest for what is right, and vote for the change you want to see in the world. We are proud and amazed by you all.

The fight isn't over.

-Rowers4BLM 
Nyah Morgan & Kelly Chung

P.S. - Reclaim the Block is no longer accepting donations, they are redirecting the funds they receive. We will be reallocating what we would have donated there to Black Voters Matter Fund instead. Thank you.

NOTE:  This fundraiser is run my Kelly Chung and Nyah Morgan from Alameda, CA. We do not have direct connections to the organizations we are planning to donate to. We are withdrawing this fundraiser on Saturday (June 20, 2020) and re-donating the money raised to Black Voters Matter Fund, Black Visions Collective, Unicorn Riot and People's Programs Oakland as soon as the withdrawl processes. Kelly will be withdrawing and delivering the funds to the organizations listed above. The receipts will be posted on our Instagram @rowers4blm.