Derrick Walker had an epiphany while participating in a mentorship program through the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis. He would go to the juvenile detention center to inspire and encourage incarcerated youth.
“Something inside me felt as if I was giving them that motivation too late,” Walker said. “I was like, ‘How can I do something before they get down this road?’”
He found his lane when he created Rides N’ School Supplies (RNSS) – a back-to-school fair and car/bike show hybrid. On Saturday, they returned for a seventh year of providing a host of resources, scholarships, activities and more. Since its inception, RNSS has provided nearly $60,000 in scholarships to students with the long-term target of sending awarded scholars off with full rides.
“That’s the goal,” Walker said, with his wife Taylor by his side. “We’re going 20 for twenty,” he said, proclaiming to the universe that for the 20th anniversary milestone they will provide one full scholarship for each year of their operation.
But on this day, the focus was on “lucky number seven.” NASCAR served as the 2025 title sponsor. A total of $10,000 in scholarships were awarded. Free laptops were distributed to select students and more than 1,000 East Pak backpacks and JanSport lunchboxes were distributed.
Rides ‘N School Supplies occupied the parking area of the O’Fallon Park Rec Plex YMCA – and a multi-purpose space inside to provide complimentary haircuts for young people so they can start the school year off with a fresh, crisp look. By its noon start time, there was no room for parking due to the size of the crowd. Cars lined up along West Florissant, and families hiked up the hill to attend. Upon entry, guests stopped for photo opportunities alongside the custom designed NASCAR vehicle that bore the number seven and had “Rides N’ School Supplies” painted on the hood.
After admiring the car, they visited booths – which included Sam’s Club, Annie Malone Children’s Service Center, WorldWide Technology Raceway and more. They perused food trucks and took advantage of other resources – and featured STEM related activities for young people.
“I really have to give it to God – I never imagined it being this big,” Walker said. “The people that motivate need motivation too. When people support what you are doing like this, it’s thrilling and its energizing.”
The event was a mutual exchange of energy thanks to DJ Climate’s skills on the turntables and the revving engines.
“The Jeeps are making their way,” Climate announced just after the vrooms of the bikes.
Jasmine Riley didn’t know what to expect when she received the flyer for the event from her stepmother. She brought her two children along in search of additional supplies– particularly for her oldest son, Harlem, who is preparing to enter kindergarten.
“This is my first time coming to something like this,” Riley said. “With daycare and pre-k, you don’t really have to worry about major supplies like we have to do this year.”
She felt blessed to have the opportunity to lean on RNSS to cut down on some of her back to school expenses. She was thrilled that Harlem – and his little sister Harmony – had the chance to take in their first car and bike show.
“They’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Riley. “Normally the car shows and motorcycle shows are for the adults. They don’t really bring them out for the kids like it is here.”
Whenever an engine roared, Harlem returned his attention to where the action was happening.
“It has been a great experience,” Riley said as she waited in line to get Kona Ice snow cones for herself and her children. “It feels like we are a part of the family.”
Dressed in scrubs, grandmother Mona Lisa Bester stopped by to support RNSS on her way to work.
“I think this is a beautiful thing,” said Bester. “Especially after the tornado, but not even dealing with the tornado, we needed to bring everybody together.”
As she talked, she walked her grandchildren over in the direction of the car and bike show. “We especially need events like this in North St. Louis, because we are always overlooked. I’ve been a North St. Louis resident for 54 years, and this is excellent.”
Walker was filled with gratitude for the guests who chose his event over countless other back-to-school events happening that day, and for the resource partners who helped make the event possible.
“I feel like people really have a grasp of what we are trying to do here, and have just wrapped their arms around what we have going on,” Walker said.
When RNSS reaches its 20th year, Harlem will either be preparing for or attending college.
Walker’s mission was to make sure that Harlem, and the hundreds of other young people who attended, took something away from the experience beyond the supplies, resources and the excitement of the car show.
“I hope the young people here today can look back at this moment and be inspired and motivated,” Walker said. “I want them to know that inspiration can take you far. If you put hard work and dedication behind it, your opportunities are limitless.”