by: E. Richard Walton, an Upstate journalist and editor
A high schooler, Jamil “Ju-Ju” Singleton said Greenville’s Momentum Bike Clubs changed his life. Like “Ju Ju,” 180 mostly middle schoolers learn to ride bikes safely, are taught real citizenship, and the long-term value of academics. These “at-risk” youngsters (between ages 11-18) usually see their attitudes, outlooks, and aspirations change.
“Ju-Ju,” 17, attends Carolina High. He said when he started Momentum as a middle schooler, he dreamed of being a rapper (and all the hoody stuff, too). Now “Ju-Ju” Singleton is a role model for the younger bikers. He learns manhood from David Taylor, the club’s tireless director and whose incessant mantra is: “you-can-do-it.”
There are also some 50 mentors/educators/volunteers to learn from. “Ju-Ju” said his interactions are different.
“They taught me honesty, respect and to look into somebody’s eye when shaking their hand.”
Also stressed in the program: character-building, spiritual development and how to deal with stress.
There are 150 middle schoolers, and 30 high schoolers (called the “Challenge Team”) participating in Momentum, which started in 2010.
There are 14 bike clubs. Many linked to middle schools or neighborhoods like: Berea, Lakeview Tanglewood, Northwest. `Legacy Early College Charter or like Nicholtown, the city’s first black community. The students are black, white, brown and other.
These are boys and girls from low wealth, incomplete or single parent homes.
The club has continued its steady growth under Taylor, who holds a Ph.D. and works for Clemson University. Usually, it’s two or three clubs annually.
Momentum emerged from a group of 8 professionals taking a diversity seminar at the Riley Institute at Furman University. Riley was founded by Richard Riley, a Furman grad, former S.C. governor and who was President Clinton’s Secretary of Education. When he returned to the state, Riley realized that most of the state’s CEO, managers and supervisors were ill-equipped to handle diverse workplaces.
Taylor was originally recruited for spiritual guidance but turned out to be the perfect visionary leader. Yes, the Swamp Rabbit Trail is a favorite.
Since day #1, the Greenville Spinners have been involved (they’ve supplied safety helmets, good vibes, and excellent riding tips).
Taylor runs the club with Venera Balidemaj, 25, a co-director for 3 years; soon she’s expected to finish her doctorate at Clemson. Taylor likes to describe the club as “an initiative” of Clemson’s Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life.
Mark Small, the chair of Institute disputes that. He said the club’s effectiveness comes from Taylor and Venera’s energy. There are a variety of educators, unseen neighborhood leaders and churches like First Baptist who are quietly pitching in.
Taylor writes grants, does fundraising, helps wherever needed, recruit mentors and explains that the club needs parental support. Taylor, who is a research assistant professor, is an easygoing dude who is adept at keeping the balls in the air. He said Tandy, his wife, is his most important supporter.
The club’s major sponsors are: Greenville Health System, the Donovan Foundation and the United Way of Greenville County, he said.
Asked about his current aspirations, “Ju-Ju” smiles and says “an entrepreneur.”
Two weeks ago, the club held its annual banquet at the Kroc Center; there were 170 guests, parents, and educators. Dr. Leon Buffalo, of GHS Family Medicine, gave the keynote. Married to a physician, Buffalo, 47, talked about his gritty teens and troubled friends in Maryland.
He said that it took him a while, along with two tours of the Mideast as U.S. Army medic before he stopped making mistakes. “I wish there was a biking club for us when I was growing up,” said the father of four.
His advice to kids: “Start where you are. Use what you have. And do what you can.”
At the end of Buffalo’s speech, he asked how many in the audience wanted to follow the physician’s footsteps. About 12 kids raised their hands.
Note: E. Richard Walton serves on the board member of the Momentum Bike Club. He is also one of Momentum’s founders who attended a Riley Institute diversity seminar in 2010.
