The Hidden Genius Project

The Raffle is closed! Winners have been picked. Thanks to everyone who donated!


Meet Calvin Smith. A former collegiate basketball player, turned competitive cyclist, and a friend. His enthusiasm for growing and diversifying the sport of cycling is contagious and one of the first things we talked about when we first met. Calvin has been fundraising on his own for The Hidden Genius Project — an organization which trains and mentors black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to help transform their lives and communities —  to help close the "digital gap" which affects the Black community at a disproportionate rate. This effort ended yesterday but together we decided to extend his fundraiser, turbo it, and to raise even more money for this important non-profit.

How are we going to do that? With help from you and our friends at BOBO’s , Wahoo , Peak Design  , Taylor Stitch , Ritchey Design , Hunt Wheels , IRC Tires , and a few more that will be announced later. We have a TON of products that we will be giving away to people that donate. More on that below.

"I'm motivated by the recent tragedies involving George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the systemic injustice that black men and women face in America, I have been compelled to take action to help expedite the positive change that I would like to see take place in this country."

 - Calvin Smith ( @seesmith_ )

Our mission is to join together and raise money to help eradicate the systemic injustice black men and women face within the United States of America. One part of this systemic injustice is the "Digital Divide" or "Digital Gap" in underserved communities. The Digital Divide is simply defined as any gap between those who have access to computers, technology and the Internet and those who do not. One in three, or 14 million, African Americans do not have access to computer technology in their homes. Additionally, 35% percent of black households do not have access to Internet. Digital literacy is also an issue in these communities. How can an individual look for a job, complete online course work satisfactorily if they do not fully understand how to utilize technology?

The Hidden Genius Project is one of those organizations. Through their 15-month Immersion and Catalyst programs, they train and mentor black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. Together, we can do our part to help close this digital divide by raising money to donate to this great cause.

The donations collected during this fundraiser will go to "Investing in the Genius Alumni Network " including the following:

–Workforce Developer: Support internships and workforce development opportunities for Geniuses
–College Access Sponsor: Support coaching, staff training, and technology costs to serve at least 150 unique Genius alumni, with multiple years of support per Genius

What Next?
Donate. Then the fun begins. We have sweetened the deal to include a comprehensive raffle of products.  For every $20 you donate you get one entry in the prize drawing. Donate $20 you are entered 1 time, donate $100 you're automatically entered 5 times, donate $500 and we will ride to your house and give you a hug, Ornot.   Prizes are listed below, at the conclusion of the gofundme campaign, we will select winners using a random picker app.  Be sure to leave your name and email when you donate to be included in the prize drawing. 

Prizes
$20 = 1 ticket, $40 = 2 Tickets, $100 = 5 tickets etc.

From Ornot 
Bar Bag 
Bar Bag Mini 
Seat Bag / Cap / Socks 
Work Jersey 
LS Trail Shirt 
House Jersey 
7 Pack of Socks 
Mission Workshop Hip Pack 
Short Sleeve Trail Shirt 
House Wind Vest 
Merino Base Layer 
Khaki Thermal Jersey 

From Peak Design 
Everyday Backpack Zip 
Everyday Sling 6L 
Everyday Sling 10L  (2 units!)

From Bobo's 
1 Year Supply of Bobo's Bars (WhAAAAAA!!!!!!!)
Swag Pack 
Box of Bobo's

From Hunt Wheels 
50 Carbon Aero Disc Wheelset 

From Taylor Stitch 
5 x $100 Digital Gift Cards

From Wahoo Fitness 
Stealth Black Elemnt Bolt GPS Bike Computer 

From Ritchey Design 
Alloy Cockpit
Tires (set)
Swag pack

From IRC 
Formula Pro  700x28 RBCC (set)
Boken  700 X 36mm (set)

Want to join us in making a difference? Rachel and I are raising money to benefit The Hidden Genius Project, and any donation will help make an impact. 

We have been watching the riots, protests and killing of innocent Black men and women and wondering how do we stop this? How do we make a difference? How do we bring about justice?

One of our answers, in a dark time of overt racism and pandemic, was to lean into something that we believe is near and dear to our hearts and morale code: teaching, education, empowerment and mentorship.

We are both strong supporters of local level community leaders, teachers and organizers and we fully understand the power behind the Hidden Genius Project. We need to support our local leaders, educators and mentors.

We also know that none of those leaders tops my brother, Brandon Nicholson, who leads an organization that is empowering Black youth through technology, education, entrepreneurship but most importantly LOVE. Brandon and his team form a community for his geniuses that are creating the next cohort of leaders in business and social justice.

STAND WITH US IN SUPPORTING REAL CHANGE MAKERS and give generously to HGP! 

Love,
Ray & Addy



Please pass along and share with your friends and family.

More information about The Hidden Genius Project: The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities.

The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities.

Taylor and I are both Data Visualization and Analytics professionals. Our expertise in coding, building viz tools, and other technological skills has given us opportunities and exposure to working with major national and international companies such as Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, IHG, Cox, Delta, The Blackstone Group, Dick's Sporting Goods, Kohl's, etc. As the tech industry is one of the fastest growing and highest demanded skill sets, we understand the importance of fair and equal opportunities for learning these skills, which have been undoubtedly less accessible to young black men in our society. Please join us in our efforts to support and uplift the black community.

Want to join us in making a difference? We plan to match the first $2,000 raised, for a total minimum donation goal of $4,000. That amount will help The Hidden Genius Project buy new computers for members, as well a cover travel costs to interactive workshops and networking opportunities.