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

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