RIVER BOWL CLASSIC
The Nation’s First and Only Black-Led, Black-Centered Regatta!
The River Bowl Classic (RBC) is more than a race - it's a movement. Founded and led by Black community leadership in Oklahoma City, RBC is the first and only Black-led, Black-centered rowing event in the nation.
Set on the waters of the Oklahoma River, this groundbreaking event redefines tradition and uses rowing - a sport where Black representation is historically less than 2% - as a powerful catalyst for community, culture, and change.
The 4th annual RBC is set to take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at RIVERSPORT. Save the date!
Our History
The River Bowl Classic was founded by Shawntay Alexander - a social worker, advocate, and proud Star Spencer alumna - as a bold and visionary response to the times. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the national reckoning sparked by the murder of George Floyd, communities across the country were searching for healing, connection, and hope. Alexander asked a powerful question: What if we created a Reunion around the river?
Out of that question, the River Bowl Classic - and OBAC’s flagship event - was born. The event takes place each year on the first Saturday in August at RIVERSPORT, an outdoor adventure park and Olympic training facility located in northeast quadrant of Oklahoma City.
While the site is full of energy and potential today, its past tells a deeper story. The RIVERSPORT campus stands where Walnut Grove, a once-thriving Black neighborhood, was located before being displaced by urban development. For many, returning to the riverfront is not just symbolic - it’s a powerful act of reclaiming space and legacy.
The inaugural alumni race was held in 2022 and featured graduates from Oklahoma City’s historically Black high schools: Douglass, Star Spencer, Millwood, John Marshall, and Northeast. Though the sport was rowing, the mission was never just about competition - it was about rebuilding morale, igniting pride, and creating space for Black stories, traditions, and futures to be seen and celebrated.
With a clear understanding of the barriers Black communities face in rowing - from cost and geography to cultural exclusion - Alexander saw opportunity, not limitation. She envisioned something outside the box: a reunion AND a regatta that could shatter stereotypes, reclaim space, and inspire generations through movement, joy, and legacy.
She would later learn that only 2% of rowers nationally are Black - making the River Bowl Classic not just innovative, but essential. It now stands as a national model for how rowing - and any tradition -can be reimagined through community-rooted leadership, cultural pride, and fearless imagination.
This is more than a regatta.
This is history in motion.
Congratulations to the 2024 Winners!
Congratulations to the triumphant teams who conquered the waters in the 2024 River Bowl Classic competition! We extend our heartfelt applause to the winning crews whose strength, skill, and teamwork propelled them to victory. This event was a celebration of determination, unity, and the spirit of friendly competition, and each victorious paddle stroke reflects your dedication and passion. Well done!
STAY CONNECTED
Be the first to receive our latest news and information on how you can help!
All Participants
2023 Honorees
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed honorees for their outstanding contributions to our community. Your dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have made a significant impact, enriching the lives of many.
Relationship:
Brittant Hunter
Excellence:
Northeast Alumni Association
Advocacy:
Councilwoman Nikki Nice
Placemaking:
Greg Jones
2023 Sponsors
On behalf of OBAC, we wanted to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous sponsorship. Your support plays a vital role in helping us make a meaningful impact and bring our initiatives to life.
Our Events
Register today for our Annual River Bowl Classic.
