Black-owned gym, Harlem Cycle, vandalized
The owner is seeking $5,000 to help offset the cost of damages
Harlem Cycle, a Black-owned workout studio in Harlem, was vandalized over on the weekend.
The owner, Tammeca Rochester, was at a loss for words when she found out. The gym was already facing mounting pressure from the pandemic.
Read More: Harlem’s small Black businesses struggle amid pandemic
“On Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020 I received a call noting me that our studio had been vandalized. As I arrived to our location I was met with the police who informed me of a break-in and the glass in our our front door completely shattered,” Rochester said.
So far, details of the vandalism are not known besides the fact that the front glass door was busted, and the vandals who broke into the gym have not yet been found.
“I’m slowly loosing my faith ….. Woke up this morning and Harlem Cycle has been vandalized. In my 5 years at this location I’ve never worried about theft because I believe when you take care of the community they will take care of you. Well today I’m feeling quite let down and heart broke,” Rochester wrote on Instagram.
“[With] 8+ months of business closure, broken pipes, constantly pivoting our business, creating a whole new digital business, not knowing if we will ever be able to hold classes again and now this. I’m so f*ing tired,” Rochester continued.
theGrio has reached out to Harlem Cycle for comment, but did not immediately get a response.
Harlem Cycle saw an outpouring of love from the community after the vandalism.
“We will come back stronger TOGETHER,” Rochester said.
Rochester has launched a GoFundMe page to help with the cost of repairs.
As of reporting, Rochester has raised more than half of her goal.
Located on 2350 Adam Clayton Powell, in the heart of Harlem, Harlem Cycle hosts various health classes for Harlemites of all level of fitness.
“Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a newcomer to strength and cardiovascular training, Harlem Cycle has a program for you,” Harlem Cycle wrote on their site.
READ MORE: Harlem church hit hard by coronavirus loses nine members within a month
On March 15th, New York City mandated a citywide shutdown. The company began uploading a series of paid, on-demand videos on its Vimeo account in order to stay afloat.
Available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast, those willing to get a Harlem-style workout can pay $40 for a collection of videos designed to keep members in shape.
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