Why rollerskating didn’t ‘make a comeback in 2020’
Honoring the history and culture of Rollerskating in the Black Community
So many people are curious as to why Rollerskating is such a huge part of the Rollerskate to Liberate brand and organization. It isn’t just because of the “seemingly” rising popularity of skating through 2020 due to Tik Tok, quarantine, and the free time that opened up for individuals to explore new hobbies. The truth is, skating never went away for many people. It has been used for generations as a tool for political and personal empowerment. Especially, within the Black Community.
If you’re deep into the skating community, you may already know this. But those who are new or unfamiliar, the hobby captivating us on social media through videos of smooth floating, high-end tricks, undeniable fashion, and gorgeous scenery, also had a major role within the civil rights movement.
Black skaters on “Adult Night”
The History:
In the late 1950s and early 60s desegregation began in America. Some rollerskating rink owners weren't too thrilled about the idea. What??? Profit-hungry middle-aged white men in the 50’s, racist??? Shocking! Clearly, these rink owners had a bad case of ‘Miss Baltimore Crabs’ and decided to dedicate “Black-only” themed skate nights. Typically called “Adult Night”
This inspired Black skaters to attend “skate-ins” which served as a way to protest segregation at rinks. Often to be met with police brutality and white violence.
In 1963, Ledger Smith, aka “Roller Man” skated nearly SEVEN HUNDRED MILES (!!!) in TEN DAYS (!!!) from Chicago to Washington D.C. to witness MLK’s infamous “I Have a Dream” speech. Along the way he showcased a sign that read “Freedom.”
In the 70’s and 80’s, wheels kissed the streets and parks all over Venice Beach as skate groups became skate communities. Local law enforcement would likely find any excuse to arrest and shut them down. Saying their music was too loud, they were too close to businesses, that street didn’t allow skating, etc. A lot of bull sh*t basically because the police saw groups of black people congregating and thought that automatically meant violence would occur. However, although violent gangs were present, James Rich “BuckWild” a prominent figure since the 80s in the Venice Beach skate community, said “when they came to the skate area, it was almost like they dropped the flag. You didn’t see a bunch of gang violence right there, you saw people coming together just having a great time, but the police didn’t believe that.” BuckWild claims skating is what saved his life from gangs, violence, and drugs.
Even though it may seem as if rollerskating is becoming a repeated fad, just remember for people like James Rich and his community, it never left. Beyond that, skating has given so much more to society, than just a hobby. The Black Community is the reason for this. Hip hop was born from the skating world, as rinks became the only place that would allow Black artists to perform. Black people were the first to turn rollerskates into fashion by making their own skates out of everyday to special occasion footwear. A majority of skating styles came from Black skaters. Such as jam skating, speed skating, free-style, session, etc... the list goes on. The more I learn about the history of skating, the more I realize how much the Black skating community paved the way for all skaters to find a passion on 8 wheels.
What does it look like today?
While racism might not be as obvious as forcefully removing black persons from roller rinks, it still exists today. Many white-owned rinks, like Moonlight Rollerway in LA, still discriminate specifically against Black skaters. They say their micro wheels will scratch the rink’s floor, skates must have toe stops, and they don’t want people to listen to their own music, so they don’t allow hoodies, which can hide headphones. Being able to listen to your own music is something Black skaters will typically do at rinks, as many have said it can be difficult to get rink DJs to play jazz, R&B, hiphop, and other types of music predominantly popular in Black communities. Rinks all over the country have been shutting down year after year due to zoning policies and laws that supported creation of condos, department stores, and other businesses meant to drive more revenue than a rink could. Unfortunately, the closure of these rinks hit Black communities the hardest.
Outside the rink it exists throughout social media and popular skating brands. Rollerskating has been “whitewashed” as the faces we predominantly see on our feeds are white female skaters, when the culture of rollerskating was built by the Black community.
As a white person, I cannot speak first hand of the racism Black skaters have experienced. Here are just a few examples of Black skaters today speaking on this matter and how it has affected them.
Youtuber and skater, Faeiryne, takes two instances to discuss how Black skaters were silenced and/or specifically targeted as people who ‘don’t belong’ in certain skating circles.
During a Virtual Roll Call, hosted on Moxi’s Youtube Channel, Black skaters were brought together to discuss the racial discriminations they faced within the skating community.
@SavvyKraft spoke on their experience. They said, “When it comes to being a Black skater, I often feel like I don’t get to experience as many of the freedoms and privileges that many other skaters get to experience.” They recall a story involving a police SUV that has made Savvy feel as if they cannot skate alone, as it would be too dangerous.
In that same Roll Call, @kianayouwanna states, “People who are Black have to work twice as hard to be seen.” Referring to the oppression they see from people online and within the social media platforms themselves, such as Tik Tok’s algorithm which has routinely showcased white individuals on For You pages over Black people. Kiana claims Black profiles disappear from her feed quicker than white, even when she interacts with the Black profiles.
I asked my fellow skater and friend, @lady_g0.diva about her experience. She had this to share, “I truly appreciate seeing skaters of all ethnicities represented in the skate community; however, I also recognize that the most visible skaters, the ones often deemed most trendy and palatable, are less apt to be people of color who demonstrate traditionally Black skating styles. While inclusion is beautiful, it need not come at the cost of minimizing the skaters of color who have kept skating alive throughout the lulls of mainstream interest. When I skate in public, I tend to have my husband as an escort, knowing the intersection of my race and gender will make me a target. Knowing I am not societally allowed to frivolously take up space without repercussions. Knowing that if I were of a different color I might attract more support and less suspicion. I love the art of skating and I want to make sure it remains accessible and representative of everyone who desires 8 wheels on their feet.”
Despite some of these harmful experiences, my friend @mentor4theyouth, wanted to share the joy skating brought him. “I grew up skating. I mean from the time I could walk, my parents had me out there on the skating floor. I grew up going to World on Wheels just about every weekend with my dad. I had some of the best times of my life there.”
It’s time we all understand the amazing enriched history rollerskating has. It hasn’t been irrelevant. It isn’t just now becoming popular again. It has survived and thrived for generations because of the Black community and their ability to open up this part of their culture to people like me, who want to be a part of it.
Ways Allies Can Help:
Learn more about the history of racism within roller skating - you can start by watching United Skates. Available to stream on HBO.
As Faeiryne says, the bare minimum you can do is “say something.” Speak out and support Black people in these spaces, and not just for show! Lift up Black voices, rather than just your own.
Follow and uplift Black skaters on social media! @richardhumphrey, @ahmaddunson, @lady_g0.diva, and @prettyyoungthangs_ are just a few of my personal favorite pages. Also here’s a video that shows 20+ minutes of black skaters you should follow!
Learn from skating tutorials made by Black skaters, as they created much of the styles we see today. Miss Tiffany Tynes, Milwaukee23 Sk8Fam, and @Kaylacoaster have great tips, tricks, and videos!
Sources/More Resources to Learn From:
