Shant's 2024 NOLA to Angola Fundraiser

NOLA to Angola is an annual solidarity bicycle ride fundraiser that supports the efforts of organizations working to mitigate and reverse the impacts of the U.S. prison system. Biking each mile in solidarity with families who travel long distances to connect with their incarcerated loved ones, the ride educates people about the ways in which mass incarceration works in tandem with other systems of oppression, such as poverty and white supremacy, to harm members of our communities.

All funds raised will go to the Cornerstone Builders’ Bus Project, which provides free monthly transportation from New Orleans and Shreveport for folks to visit loved ones incarcerated in Louisiana prison

Nola to Angola supports first-time riders and builds connections between riders and organizations working against mass incarceration. The ride is entirely volunteer-run. Your donation will help families stay connected!

The ride has grown from about a dozen riders to 50-60 and continues to expand each year, raising $40,000 – $50,000 for Cornerstone annually. This has enabled Cornerstone to send a full schedule of buses, to develop long-term sustainability, and to expand their services to Shreveport. I'm only asking for $5-10 donations to make my goal (the Bernie Sanders approach lol, crossing the line through the help of many). But, here are some ways you can think about donating:

$25 funds one round-trip ride from New Orleans

$50 funds both a parent and child from New Orleans

$75 allows one individual to visit 3x per year

$100 funds a four-person family from New Orleans

1 bus from New Orleans costs $1200

1 bus from Shreveport costs $2000

Thanks so much for supporting the NTA ride and my fundraising!

DEDICATIONS:

I’d like to thank my roommate of 5 years in New Orleans, Jared Miller, who was a public defender for the 9 years he lived here. He taught me the importance of being civically engaged when it came to matters of local politics, especially issues around social justice and incarceration. He has embarked on this very same bike ride a few times in years past, and was the source of my inspiration to take on the ride this year. Thank you, Jared! 

I’d like to dedicate this bike ride to my father and the people of New Orleans. To my father, Vicken Aharonian, who loves to cycle and instilled in me a passion and love for cycling. I have lived in New Orleans for 11 years, but exclusively got around by bicycle for 8 of those years. Over that time, I managed to never injure myself save for a few scrapes and bruises in a city with the highest bike mortality in the nation! My father gave me the skills and intuition to succeed and stay safe as a cyclist on the road. I love you, Bab! This ride is for you! 

And to the people of New Orleans, who taught me about the importance of community and what it means to show up and truly care for your neighbor. The people of New Orleans are the most loving and caring people I’ve had the privilege to live alongside. I feel grateful to have the ability to give back in my own small way. I hope that it makes a meaningful difference in the lives of my neighbors/New Orleanians.