The holiday season is here, and if you’re looking for gifts that celebrate skating, fun, and fitness, Roll With Soul® has you covered. These are all original designs, created by me!
Whether you’re shopping for your skate crew or treating yourself, here are a few fun gift ideas (and someone’s new favorite shirt!).
To those participating in economic justice boycotts and spending-awareness movements, such as We Ain’t Buying It, Mass Blackout, and others. I also stand with you using your purchasing power to advocate for equity and systemic change. ✊
Did you know? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan declared October National Roller Skating Month in the United States.
Roller skating was more than just a fun pastime, it was a cultural cornerstone in Black communities, deeply connected to both civil rights and the evolution of popular music. Segregation at the rinks failed to stop the culture from thriving; in fact, Black skaters would create their own opportunities where the moves and the music would eventually impact our entire culture!
For example:
When hip hop artists were often barred from performing at mainstream venues, roller rinks welcomed them, giving the music a stage and a fanbase.
Many hit dance records were first discovered at the rink. If the skate DJs were spinning a track, it was a sign it was hot, often propelling it to radio and wider audiences.
The more you know!
This is a long read but probably one of the BEST and most comprehensive articles on the impacts of roller skating on culture. I’m so glad electronicbeats.net put it back online.
I designed this in 2022 for 6th Ave Skating Place, one of the country’s only permanent outdoor roller skating spaces. Most Sundays, it feels like a family reunion: music, movement, and generations together on wheels.
Fun fact: The mural wasn’t painted. It was built using colored asphalt to preserve the smooth surface skaters need, while also ensuring durability. That technical feature shaped the minimalist design.
It’s pretty cool to know this piece is now visible from orbit. Welcome alien overlords!
If you’re visiting San Francisco, make sure to stop by!
Since stepping away from social media, sharing fun skating articles and videos isn’t as easy as it used to be. But that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped. I’ll try to share them here instead.
I had the pleasure of meeting Terrence and Ellen at Skate-a-thon a few years ago. If you live in the area, you should definitely look them up! RollTrain.com
I started my Roll with Soul® apparel brand around 2013 because there was little to no representation in contemporary roller skating apparel outside of aggressive derby slogans or cutesy, retro aesthetics.
As a former professional apparel designer in the music industry, I wanted to make high-quality roller skate themed designs available for people who skate outside those margins.
Since then, there’s been some wonderful growth in this space, so I want to showcase some incredible black-owned roller skate apparel brands that are creating some of the coolest, authentic skate fashions out there!!
Rolling away from social platforms that profit from hate and exploitation – future updates at RollWithSoul.com
Dear Friends and Skate Fam,
After over a decade of connecting with you all and sharing the incredible talent and joy of the roller skating community on social media, I’ve made the decision to step away from social platforms like Meta and Twitter. I can no longer ignore the dangerous ethical failings of the spineless billionaires who massively profit from spreading hate and misinformation while exploiting our creativity and invade our privacy through these platforms.
But this isn’t a goodbye. I’ll be focusing my future energy creating and sharing here on rollwithsoul.com
I’m also embarking on a new personal project related to my illustration/artwork. I hope you’ll sign up for my newsletter and be a part of the journey here: portraitsofexcellence.com
Thank you for the support and love over the years. See you at the rink!
The refrain of “Why does it matter?” from some white skaters has been echoing across social media lately, often dismissing reminders of black roller skating culture and its creators. It’s essential to understand the significance of preserving accurate roller skating history and the far-reaching consequences of this problematic reaction.
We know that skating has existed for hundreds of years and has taken on many forms. But we need to acknowledge that the people being celebrated on TikTok right now aren’t typically skating like Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, they are skating more like Bill Butler, a black man who played a huge role in giving roller skating its modern flavor, and popularity – but is largely unknown to most.
So, let’s talk about why it’s easy for some of us to take this issue for granted.
The Significance of Names & Creators
Dismissing the importance of named routines, techniques, creators, and history erases the experiences and contributions of black skaters who have nurtured this activity and culture decades before the 2020 pandemic.
When their creative work is changed or relabeled to appease or appeal to different audiences without their input, it impacts their ability to receive the recognition, opportunities, and financial compensation they deserve.
Sometimes Black skaters are even forced to perpetuate the altered versions in order to preserve the small amount of opportunity that is available to them, which sadly makes the problem worse.
Screenshot from a video picturing Rollerdance Man Richard Humphrey with the title: “The origins of the Downtown?” The video attempts to clarify the true name and creator of these foundational roller dance moves. The video was produced by a popular skating company who built an entire brand from a whitewashed version of roller skating.
Of course, extensive knowledge of skate history isn’t necessary for a fun day at the rink or the park, but being open to corrections about misinformation is important, especially when creating media content or sharing views that may be inaccurate. I think we all know that misinformation spreads like wildfire and rarely gets corrected in the fast-paced world of social media.
Lastly, it’s not our place as white skaters to dictate the history that makes us most comfortable. We should listen, learn, and show respect for the origins and contributions of black skaters if we are to participate in and emulate the culture and moves that they have created.
Disparity in Media Visibility
“Why isn’t there a dedicated book on this topic if names and history are so important?” This repeated question reveals the glaring disparity in media visibility between black and white skaters.
Despite their skills, black skaters often receive less recognition compared to their white counterparts. This perpetuates the cycle of erasure and undermines the talents of black skaters.
One significant book exception was Bill Butler’s “Jammin”, which was published in 1979 during the peak of roller skating’s “disco” mainstream popularity. It’s been out of print for decades and is now considered a rare collectible.
The lack of published material about black roller skating can be largely attributed to limited opportunities and resources for black skaters to produce materials with the same marketing power and reach as major publishers or platforms.
Despite this challenge, there has been a growing movement for black skaters to create and self-publish materials that document and celebrate roller skating culture.
Documentaries to Watch:
8 Wheels and Some Soul Brotha’ Music (2008)
Roller Dreams (2017)
United Skates (2018)
Books:
Rollerdanceman: The Biography of Richard Humphrey, by Carla Dometrius
The Motown Sound On Wheels: Rockin Richard Houston
The Evolution of Skating: Sk8rz Passion, Our Journey, by Amirah Palmer, Richard Humphrey, David Miles
The information is out there, but it may not be where you are used to looking.
Supporting Authenticity in the Age of Faux “Influencers”
In the era of social media, it’s important to look more closely at the authenticity and authority of skating “influencers”. Before considering someone an “expert”, confirm their involvement in the skating community as well as their actual skills and experience.
Black skaters played a significant role in creating the unique styles and moves that have made skating so popular. So, it’s disheartening to see people, especially white skaters, appropriating the creations of those skaters while centering themselves for attention, validation, and monetary gain on social media.
Let’s be honest here. We all know that people prefer to watch catchy videos than to read lengthy captions full of history facts. However, if you find yourself actively exploiting this viewer behavior for your personal gain, take a moment and reflect on your motives as well as the creators you may be harming.
Also note that media exposure doesn’t always equate to actual skill or influence. Supporting those who genuinely contribute to the growth and preservation of roller skating culture ensures that authentic voices are recognized and celebrated.
Look closely and you’ll see who is contributing TO the culture, and who is merely taking FROM it.
Moving Beyond Colorblindness
When white skaters respond with the assertion that “It doesn’t matter, roller skating is for everyone,” it reflects a form of “colorblindness.” This mindset assumes all experiences and contributions are equal and interchangeable, and dismisses the historical context that shaped popular roller skating as well as the issues that still persist today.
Advocating for historical accuracy and acknowledging black creators does not exclude anyone from participating in or enjoying roller skating. Instead, it aims to address systemic imbalances and give credit where it is due.
By acknowledging, respecting, and amplifying the true cultural origins of roller skating, we can start to right some of the wrongs that previously kept diverse voices and experiences from being highlighted and celebrated.
When I lost access to my own physical capabilities as a professional artist, a result of focal dystonia, a neuromuscular disorder, roller skating provided a valuable creative outlet for me. I’m so very happy that all these years later, my worlds have collided and I have the opportunity to celebrate San Francisco’s 6th Avenue Skatin Place through a new roller skating mural in partnership with with David Miles Jr., the San Francisco Godfather of Skate and the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department.
With community input, we spent months working through design concepts and I believe I we’ve landed on a fun design that celebrates San Francisco roller skating and checks all the functional requirements for park installation, safety, and maintenance.
As a longtime skater at 6th Avenue, my first instinct about doing the mural project was that it was important to acknowledge that it is the people, the skaters, who truly bring all the color and great energy to the space. (Just look at this adorable lil girl!!!)
Photo: San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
So as the artist, I didn’t want to mess with that or compete with it. But I also know that this space has had a number of incidents of being vandalized or otherwise not being treated with respect.
My hope in putting this mural on the center oval at Skatin’ place is to celebrate the legacy of San Francisco roller skaters past, present, and future, and that it also serves to claim this space for roller skaters, so when they all go home, their vibrant colors and lively spirits remain as a symbol to others to have some reverence for this space.
As of February, 2022 we have now received all the necessary local approvals and I look forward to sharing more progress as the mural is installed in the Spring/Summer of 2022!
As new, white skaters become more acquainted with roller skating on social media, they have and will gravitate towards skating communities IRL, which is wonderful. However, once rinks eventually open back up they may find themselves at unique events not created for them the way they may be used to. So I’m reaching out to my fellow white skaters with a bit of a primer for entering these new spaces with curiosity and most importantly, respect.
“Rollerdance Man” Richard Humphrey and others at Atlanta Skate-a-Thon
Yes, skating is for everyone, but first, you must understand that “adult” black skating communities were created out of racist segregation carried out by anti-black policies on admissions, pricing, dress codes, music choices, etc. Black skaters had to create their own spaces and events as a place to cultivate their own communities for safety and enjoy their preferred skate style and music. I feel very connected to parts of black culture and I highly value and appreciate the black people that have created it so I’m very grateful to have been warmly embraced and welcomed as family in these communities. But over 10 years later, I also understand and respect that I am still a visitor here.
Before the pandemic, I would often see new white skaters find indoor adult skating events then make disparaging comments and attempt to dictate what kind of music should be played and where and how people should skate. They would also disregard the flow of traffic as they skate in their own preferred manner, completely oblivious to others. Other times, they would stop talented black skaters and insist that they become their teachers in the middle of a fast-paced, crowded rink. Many skaters are friendly and are often happy to teach, but they should not be treated as your personal concierge. I suspect this behavior comes as a result of the privilege of always being treated as the default customer, where all their particular tastes and needs are immediately catered to.
Black people often have to worry about and manage how they navigate public (or mostly white) spaces to avoid making white people uncomfortable or possibly turn confrontational. So both the subtle and blatant behavior of entitlement and disregard for the black skating environment by white skaters is truly mortifying to watch. Even so, black skate leaders remain welcoming and, to my knowledge, have not attempted to apply rules and limitations the way that white rink owners and skaters have unto them.
White skaters, please spend some time observing these events before charging out to the rinks and skate parties and acting the same as you might either outdoors with your friends or during a public family rink session. Your skills should be at a point where you can safely maintain pace and control with the other skaters. I’ll just say it outright – regional and national skate jams are not intended for beginner skaters. They are intentionally produced and marketed to more seasoned skaters so they can enjoy a relaxed, experienced atmosphere and not have to dodge beginners and kids all night.
Understand that you may be a minority and should conduct yourself with a bit of deference and honor for the existing customs and culture of these spaces. With this approach, you can actually learn, experience, and enjoy all that this incredible activity has to offer.
Part of my extended California Skate family
This blog post might feel a bit uncomfortable or controversial to some, so feel free to share any questions or comments about this topic in the comments below.
My friend Arlan Hamilton, once said, “Be yourself so that the people who are looking for you can find you.”
I think there’s probably no shortage of relevant quotes on this topic because of their inherent truth. To illustrate further, I’d like to share a personal story about roller skating.
“Skate Free or Die,” was the lifelong motto of Donn, a dear member of our San Francisco roller skating community. Sadly, as of 2016, he is no longer with us. Considering our ages and backgrounds, we became unlikely friends. Donn once shared this story with me about a time that he was recovering from a spinal injury. Perhaps enough time has passed that it would be ok to share with you now in his honor.
“One night, about 3 years ago … I showed up at Redwood City Skate. I was fresh off of a spinal injury that left me permanently without feeling in my left leg and foot. I could barely still roll – but I had not given up hope. I was struggling to skate that night … until I noticed you in the middle towards one end – doing your thing. And I thought – she’d never believe me if I told her I used to be able to skate (something) like that! But watching you made those ‘feelings’ come alive again – I could ‘feel’ what it felt like to skate that way … and wanted to do it again, no matter what. Quite the inspiration – you were certainly that night.
Look at me now – and all that I have regained since that night … and tell me: how does one repay that kind of debt? I owe you something that will be difficult to ever repay directly.
So … please forgive me for treating you like family – I consider you my Sister. And thank you for being you!”
Over next few years Donn attended more skate parties and put in more skate party miles than I ever have. You could always find him smiling and in the groove wherever there was skating.
In as much as I had inspired him, he had just given me this enormous gift that I will never forget. It’s one of the things that drives me to share my love of skating with others. Skating is a positive force, with the ability to create friendship, love and healing.
White Chocolate - Roller Skating 