Our Mission
The Bahati Foundation's mission is to provide underrepresented youth access to noncompetitive and competitive cycling with resources and support, allowing success on and off the bike.
Our Story
The Bahati Foundation was founded in 2010 by Rahsaan Bahati, a 10-time USA National Champion and Giant USA Elite Ambassador. Since its founding, the Bahati Foundation has served the communities of Los Angeles, Compton, Long Beach, and South Bay in Southern California, providing youth access to cycling and other activities.
Our Vision
"We envision a future where underrepresented youth are not only introduced to the world of cycling but are empowered to become the next generation of cyclists. As we nurture their passion for cycling, we also inspire a commitment to embracing alternative mobility solutions, creating a healthier and more sustainable world."
Play Equity
As part of our mission we ensure that all children have equal access to sport and structured play. The Play Equity Movement raises awareness of inequalities and supports sports-based youth development.
Play Equity is a social justice issue. Play Equity is focused on bringing access to sport and play for all children, regardless of their race, gender, zip code or socioeconomic status.
Bahati Foundation is committed to closing the Play Equity gap
“We know that the U.S. can produce world-class cyclists, and we seek to identify them early on; with your assistance and support, we can continue being a conduit for their involvement and development.”
Rahsaan Bahati
Rahsaan Bahati, the President and Founder of the Bahati Foundation established the organization in 2010 with a profound general mission: to expand opportunities for youth in Los Angeles through GiveBACK. His journey from the streets of Compton, California, where he was surrounded by the loving support of his family and a few community negative influences, shaped his perspective. Rahsaan faced crucial choices during his early years. Still, his story took a transformative turn thanks to the unwavering support of his parents, Rashid and Nassoma, both dedicated teachers, an eraser, and a teacher at Davis Middle School Compton who believed in his potential. This fortuitous combination altered the course of his life forever.
Rahsaan's remarkable achievements never let him forget the pivotal role that support and mentorship played in his own life. The Bahati Foundation has been a long-held dream, and now he is on a mission to pay forward the opportunities he received. His vision is to impact the lives of kids in underrepresented communities, showing them that they need not succumb to the lack of access, and cycles of crime, gangs, and drugs. Instead, they can strive for their dreams and realize their full potential.
Today, the Bahati Foundation represents the unity of this dream. We are more than just a foundation, more than a cycling team; we are a collective force for change. We stand at a crossroads, ready to make a profound difference in the lives of countless youth.
With the launch of our professional racing team in 2010, Rahsaan translated his vision into action. The Bahati Foundation embodies Rahsaan’s commitment to giving back by providing inner-city youth with the assistance, support, and resources they need while serving as a positive influence in our community. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation
Apple Podcasts with Rahsaan
They Did That: The Cycling Champ: Major Taylor on Apple Podcasts
Show They Did That, Ep The Cycling Champ: Major Taylor -
Nov 23, 2022
We believe all under-represented youth can embrace who they are, can define their future, and change the world.