08 Nov,2013

Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary Black Biker Jam

Throughout Milwaukee, Harley-Davidson’s (HD) 110th Anniversary was being celebrated in full force from the grounds of the Summer Fest to the Harley-Davidson Museum to local dealerships.
Storm clouds loomed overhead during the day of Harley-Davidson’s Black Biker Jam. However, a dedicated crowd of hundreds of riders dared Mother Nature to rain on their parade as they dutifully came out to support this unique outreach to the African-American market, dubbed the Iron Elite.

The “Jam” consisted of live music, down-home soul food, a live broadcast by Jammin 98.3, vendors and a few surprise guests including UFC Heavyweight fighter Daniel “DC” Cormier and video, film director and rider F. Gary Gray. Not familiar with Mr. Gray? Do the movies The Italian Job, Friday, or The Negotiator ring a bell? Yeah, that F. Gary Gray. Having participated in HD’s 110th Anniversary Freedom Jacket journey from Atlanta to Daytona for Bike Week, it was only fitting that Gary join the Black Biker Jam on such a historic moment. On this day, Gary put away his Director’s chair and was humbly another rider in the crowd taking time to enjoy the Jam’s festivities simply hanging out with his brother and sister riders while admiring some of the coolest custom Harleys on the streets. If you haven’t heard his HD testimony and seen his Iron Elite Freedom Jacket ride experience, check it out on Youtube.com/Harley-Davidson. “Riding a Harley is the closest thing to flying I’ve ever experienced”, says Gary. Pretty powerful from a rider that’s been in plans, jets, and helicopters.

Making a very welcomed surprise appearance to show gratitude and appreciation for the Iron Elite’s stories and contributions, was none other than the legend himself, Mr. Willie G. Davidson along with his wife Nancy, daughter Karen (Creative Director for General Merchandise), and son Bill (Vice President of Harley-Davidson Museum). Willie G. took to the center stage to thank the attendees for their continued support and contributions in shaping and enriching our motorcycle culture and continued support of HD. It was fun to see the genuine appreciation and sincerity the Davidsons’ have for their customers with such an approachable manner. Karen even playfully belted out “get over here dad” for a photo op. And although they were exiting the Jam, Willie G. stopped, smiled and hustled over upon his daughter’s request for a family photo and interview with yours truly.

Even the dark ominous clouds lurking above couldn’t deter the spirit and camaraderie shared amongst the crowd, so Mother Nature finally gave way to the Iron Elite’s steadfast determination to celebrate and yielded to brighter skies.

In the Willie G’s closing words, Ride Loud!

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