Ride out!
A former Navy instructor makes history as the first Black woman to open a motorcycle academy in Virginia, 10 Wavy News reports.
Shekelia Bussey is the owner and operator of Moto Mob Riding Academy in Franklin, Virginia. This is the first academy of its kind owned by a Black woman in the state. Bussey started riding motorcycles in 2007 after taking a class at Harley Davidson in Portsmouth, VA, journeying cross country twice. In 2017, she quit her job as a government contractor to become a motorcycle instructor for the United States Navy.
During her time as an instructor, Bussey acquired a fleet of 17 motorcycles, branching out on her own to teach classes. Now, she is taking what she’s learned and empowering others to ride out on their terms.
“[I’ve traveled] about 16,000 miles, solo, by myself. Motorcycling to me…it’s my passion. It is what drives me forward. Very few people get to get up every day and do what they love to do, but I’m one of them. This has been a labor of love for me,” Bussey told reporters.
Cut the ribbon girl #TheMotoMobCEO I expected support but what I saw was more than I EVER imagined #TheMileageBully #TheMotoMobCEO
advertisementPosted by Shekelia Bussey on Sunday, March 7, 2021
The academy is open to anyone who wants to join. Motorcycles are provided, and participants are required to follow COVID guidelines and bring a helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, and footwear that comes above the ankle. Bussey said she is proud to be the first Black woman owning a motorcycle academy and hopes that her story will inspire more people.
“What that means to my community is when we see someone else who looks like us, doing something that we feel that has been unattainable to us. It makes it possible. It makes a difference in our community. That’s why Black-owned matters to me. I’m proud of that distinction,” Bussey said.
To sign up for classes at the Moto Mob Riding Academy, visit www.themotomob.com.
Congratulations, Shekelia!
Photo Courtesy of Shekelia Bussey Facebook