The Saint Luke's Foundation, in partnership with The City Club of Cleveland, Bike Your Neighborhood Cleveland, and the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, have collaborated to present a free film screening of “Bike Vessel” this Friday, July 12 at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square, followed by a discussion, “The Power of Cycling: A Journey of Healing and Community.”

The  evening is meant to spark inspiration, conversation, and community as participants explore the power of cycling to transform lives and promote health equity.

Bike Vessel“Bike Vessel” follows the journey of Donnie Seals Sr., who, after suffering from severe heart problems and undergoing three quadruple bypass surgeries, turned his life around through cycling.

Now 70 years old, Seals bikes more than 30 miles a day—seeing a dramatic improvement in his health as a result. Directed by his son, Eric D. Seals, the film explores the health disparities affecting Black men and the systemic racism contributing to their low life expectancy and high death rates.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Donnie Seals Sr., who will share his personal experiences and insights from the film. Additional panelists include cycling advocates and community leaders Deidre McPherson and Ashley Evans with Bike Your Neighborhood and Sam Prewitt with Bike Cleveland, who will delve into the film's themes of health equity and the transformative power of cycling.

“The Saint Luke’s Foundation recognized the importance of engaging in this crucial discussion and supporting the resident-driven Bike Your Neighborhood effort," Saint Luke's Foundation vice president of strategic initiatives Peter Whitt said in a statement. “We continue to cultivate initiatives and spaces that empower residents and strive to improve our neighborhoods’ health and well-being of those who live, work, and play here.”

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Each ticket includes a complimentary order of popcorn and one fountain drink. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability.

Additionally, the public is invited to join the filmmakers, Bike Your Neighborhood, and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb for a community bike ride on Saturday, July 13 at 11 a.m.

The bike ride aims to cultivate accessible and inclusive activities that promote physical activity and community engagement through the power of cycling.

The “Bike Vessel” screening and discussion on Friday, July 12 runs from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. The movie begins at 7:15 p.m. and the panel discussion begins at 8:50 p.m. Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square, 13116 Shaker Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44120.

The Community bike ride on Saturday, July 13 begins at 11:30 a.m. at Amos Norwood Park, East 128th Street and Drexmore Road. The group will gather at 11 a.m. The ride is for all ages and abilities and will focus on Buckeye-Shaker, Larchmere, Ludlow, Mt. Pleasant, and Woodland Hills neighborhoods. For information, visit Bike Your Neighborhood.