TULSA, Okla. – As the sun set over Tulsa last week, students raced across the red dirt of the Hardesty National BMX Stadium. Their bikes cut through the course with speed and focus. Helmets gleamed, and jerseys with their names flapped in the wind. This wasn’t just another Tuesday evening; it was a moment of transformation.
At the heart of this transformation is Kenneth K. Roc Brant, the Field Organizer and Lead Coordinator for the R.I.S.E. BMX Program.
For three years, Kenneth has served as a passionate advocate and mentor through the Terence Crutcher Foundation. In his second year leading R.I.S.E., he brings energy, experience, and unwavering commitment to Tulsa’s youth.
Before this stadium existed, Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, founder and executive director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, attended an early development meeting for the area. Around that same time, Shane Hernandez, director of national track development for USA BMX, walked the land, envisioning the future of the BMX facility.
Together, they imagined a space where community, culture, and purpose could intersect, and where young people could flourish. As a result, that vision came alive through R.I.S.E., guided by leaders like Brant.
What R.I.S.E. Stands For
R.I.S.E. stands for Resilience, Inclusion, Social Awareness, and Education. It’s a free 12-week program, launched by the Terence Crutcher Foundation and the USA BMX Foundation. Held every Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., the program uses biking as a tool to teach leadership, culture, and confidence.
Each year, three student cohorts participate in R.I.S.E. During 2025, the second cohort is currently underway and continues through August 19th. The next cohort will begin on August 26th and conclude on November 11th. As a result, these sessions offer consistent mentorship, education, and growth for North Tulsa youth throughout the year.
Above all, the mission is to build leaders, not just riders.
Kenneth K. Roc Brant: The Heartbeat of R.I.S.E.
Kenneth K. Roc Brant does more than coordinate, he leads with purpose. As students walk into the classroom each Tuesday, he welcomes them with intention. He speaks in a calm, steady voice. Then, he guides the group through breathing exercises to help them reset and focus.
Each week, he encourages students to connect what they learn on the track to their daily lives. When things don’t go as planned, he asks, “How did you show resilience today?”
Kenneth’s role goes beyond teaching BMX skills to Tulsa youth. He creates a space where every student feels they belong. He emphasizes that success is not about winning races but about knowing you matter and have value. His mentorship builds students’ confidence and helps them see their potential. As Kenneth puts it,
“We don’t need them to be pros,” he told the Black Wall Street Times. “We just need them to see that they belong. That they matter. That they can rise.”
With strong mentorship and care, Kenneth turns every session into a moment of growth. Through his leadership, R.I.S.E. becomes more than a program. It becomes a path to healing and hope.
Where the Action Happens
The program takes place at the USA BMX Headquarters and the Hardesty National BMX Stadium, a world-class facility where Olympians and professional BMX riders train. In fact, it is one of the longest and most technical BMX tracks in the country.
Students now share that same track. They train where champions train, gaining not only skill but also confidence and discipline.
In addition, Tulsa students tour the BMX Museum, connecting with the broader legacy of the sport.
Each cohort begins with a powerful walking tour of Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District, the heart of Black Wall Street. Here, students learn about resilience, not only in theory but through lived history.
This historical context sets the tone. As Kenneth often shares:
“Resilience is the key. It’s not just a word, it’s a way of life.”
A Tuesday Breakdown
Each Tuesday follows a clear and impactful routine. Sessions begin with a word of the day, for example, resilience. Mentors then guide students through discussions like “How did you show resilience on the track today?”
This intentional format encourages reflection, confidence, and growth.
Students participate in:
- Riding sessions with Olympians, pros, and coaches
- Social-emotional and STE(A)M learning
- Dinner and connection with mentors from the community
Additionally, R.I.S.E. mentors don’t just teach, they show up for their students. This hands-on support shows students that they are not alone.
What Students Receive
At the end of the 12-week program, every participant walks away with:
- A free lifetime USA BMX membership
- A bike, helmet, and a custom R.I.S.E. jersey with their name
- Real race experience at the Hardesty Track
Furthermore, six students are selected each year to receive race bikes and compete in the USA BMX Grand Nationals, hosted at the Tulsa Expo Center during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Get Involved
Ultimately, R.I.S.E. is not just about bikes. It’s about building young people up, emotionally, mentally, and physically. With leaders like Kenneth K. Roc Brant, and a foundation rooted in history and heart, Tulsa’s youth are learning to rise, lap by lap, week by week. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, volunteer, or community member, you can be part of the movement.
For more information or to support the program, reach out:
Email info@terencecrutcherfoundation.org
Call: (539) 867?1304
