YWCA Delaware is honored to be selected as a designated stop on the fifth annual 1928 Legacy Tour, a powerful 250+-mile cycling journey retracing the historic 1928 ride of five trailblazing Black women from Harlem to Washington, D.C.
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m. YWCA Delaware will welcome 20 cyclists and support staff from Major Knox Adventures, the organizing company behind the tour that celebrates Black women’s athleticism, sisterhood and adventure.
This tour is part of a broader effort to reconnect communities with the untold stories of Black women’s resilience and strength while honoring YWCA’s historic role in supporting women of color and creating space for community connection and empowerment.
The 1928 Legacy Tour follows the path taken by Marylou Jackson, Velma Jackson, Ethyl Miller, Leolya Nelson, and Constance White—five courageous Black women who met at the Harlem YWCA and cycled over 250 miles from New York City to Washington, D.C. in just under 65 hours.
During their journey, they stayed at YWCAs, including YWCA Delaware. In an era of racial segregation and “Sundown Towns,” their ride was not just athletic but revolutionary.
“This tour is about more than cycling. It’s about honoring history, healing, and celebrating radical joy,” said Keshia Roberson, founder of Major Knox Adventures. “We ride in the legacy of the five original women who dared to do something difficult, powerful, and free.”
On Day 2 of the three-day journey, riders will travel from Philadelphia to Baltimore, stopping at YWCA Delaware’s Home-Life Management Center for rest, refreshments, and reflection. Riders will be welcomed by staff and will receive YWCA Delaware’s historical booklets.
“We are grateful to open our doors to Major Knox Adventures and proud to support a movement that uplifts the history of Black women,” said Melissa Gonville, CEO of YWCA Delaware. “Riding over 250 miles in under 65 hours through the elements and terrain is an astounding achievement. We are excited to cheer on these inspiring riders and honor the historical impact of our shared legacy. This tour reminds us of where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how our mission remains just as strong today as it was in 1928.”
YWCA Delaware encourages all to follow the journey and learn more about the powerful stories behind the historic tour at majorknoxadventures.com.
ABOUT YWCA DELAWARE
YWCA Delaware, established in 1895, is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Through safe housing, 24/7 SARC crisis response, financial counseling, advocacy, youth development programs, and regional centers in Wilmington, New Castle, and Georgetown, we drive meaningful change for individuals and families across Delaware. Learn more at www.ywcade.org and follow @ywcade on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
ABOUT MAJOR KNOX ADVENTURES
Founded in 2021, Major Knox Adventures was named in honor of cycling legends Marshall “Major” Taylor and Kittie Knox and is committed to empowering diverse communities to find belonging, experience joy, and reconnect with history in the outdoors. From educational endurance rides to camping and running retreats, the tour company creates transformative experiences that celebrate legacy and foster healing. As part of its mission, the company also raises funds to provide bikes for youth in Harlem, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
