Cycles of Resilience Explores Black History on Two Wheels - MovieMaker Magazine

      Ya’Ke Smith’s documentary, Cycles of Resilience, presents an innovative approach to conveying Black history through biking.

      The film chronicles the Black History Bike Ride, a nonprofit in Austin founded by cyclist Talib Abdullahi, which aims to educate participants by taking them on bike journeys to significant historical locations. Participants ride, eat, learn, and honor a history that is often overlooked or suppressed.

      It's uncommon to integrate physical activity, education, and resistance in such a manner. While learning shouldn't inherently be an act of defiance, it has become so due to ongoing efforts by various states and the Trump Administration to erase Black history.

      “Occupying space, appearing in large numbers, and staying connected with others dedicated to change are fundamental actions in building a new world,” Smith remarks, who teaches film at the University of Texas at Austin. “Power structures thrive on fear and isolation. They rely on people being too fearful to protest, too fragmented to unite, and too disheartened to believe genuine change can happen.”

      He continues: “These entities maintain their power primarily through division, recognizing that when people gather around a shared vision and goal, their hold on power weakens. Coming together to learn, strategize, and speak truth is crucial. It not only fortifies solidarity in communities but also serves as a powerful reminder that collective action has historically been one of the most effective methods of confronting injustice. In unity, we reveal that the collective strength of many surpasses the power of a few.”

      Cycles of Resilience will screen on Saturday and be available for streaming on Sunday at the Waco Indie Film Fest, hosted by Samuel Thomas and Louis Hunter, recognized as one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World.

      We spoke with Smith, whose previous works include the documentary Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom and the recent short film “The Ohio, Texas Remix,” about biking toward a brighter future.

      Ya’Ke Smith on Cycles of Resilience and the Black History Bike Ride

      Cycles of Resilience director Ya’Ke Smith – Credit: Courtesy of Greg Schnabel

      MovieMaker: How did you discover these inspiring bike rides?

      Ya’Ke Smith: I had heard about the ride, but as someone who doesn’t cycle much, I never participated and instead observed it from a distance. That changed when Talib Abdullahi, the founder of the Black History Bike Ride (BHBR), received a grant from the City of Austin to create a film about the organization. Someone who knew my work on the documentary Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom suggested me for the project.

      When Talib shared the story of BHBR over lunch, I was instantly captivated. He established the organization following George Floyd’s murder, aiming to not only foster community but also to introduce Austinites to the rich Black history present in their own city. As a filmmaker, professor, and activist who believes in cinema's power to educate, inspire, and drive conversations, I wanted to be involved in bringing that story to life.

      MovieMaker: This film and Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom both focus on preserving and ensuring true history remains relevant. Do you feel your role as a filmmaker increasingly overlaps with that of a historian? If so, what do you think accounts for that?

      Ya’ke Smith: My objective with these two films was to showcase this history in the hope of creating space to envision a better future. Both films delve into complex and often neglected histories while confronting the systems and structures that uphold false revisionist narratives. They do so through the lens of Sankofa: looking back at the past to create a stronger, more united present and future.

      I approach this work with the understanding that I don’t expect everyone to jointly march toward a perfect future. However, I believe that confronting our history with honesty, humility, and the bravery to address its injustices can lay the groundwork for a more hopeful tomorrow than the present we experience today.

      MovieMaker: What is your process for filming an event like this? Any inspirations or reference points? Do you need waivers from participants since they are in public spaces?

      Ya’Ke Smith: It requires extensive planning. Talib, producer Lauren Vunderink, cinematographer Riley Engemoen, and I dedicated numerous hours to discussing the film's visual language, debating which locations would be most visually captivating, and figuring out the necessary equipment to effectively capture the ride's dynamic essence.

      Ultimately, we used three primary cameras, a drone, and GoPros mounted on several bikes. This combination allowed us to create an immersive experience for viewers. I didn’t want the audience to feel like mere spectators; I wanted them to feel like they were part of the ride—navigating through the city, experiencing the stories, and sharing in the cyclists’ energy and camaraderie.

      I also want to acknowledge Brandon Grant and Ariel Marlowe, who are integral members of the organization. Their support throughout the process ensured everything was safe and ran smoothly