For more than 15 years, roller skating has been an incredible outlet for movement, music, healing, and community. Even though I haven’t been able to skate as much lately, roller skating continues to inspire me. In fact, reflecting on its history and much of the creativity behind it has provided a small spark toward a creative project I’m excited to share with you now.
Portraits of Excellence is a living, digital illustrated tribute that celebrates the vital role of Black artistry in shaping American culture. Blending the playful charm of Saturday morning cartoons with the timeless nobility of classical Greek busts, each original portrait spotlights a Black icon whose influence continues to shape culture today.
Roller skating alone carries a huge history of Black creativity that’s influenced everything from dance to popular music:
If it wasn’t for a black man, Bill Butler, we’d all likely still be skating to organ music at the local rink.
Since the 2020 Co-vid pandemic, many new skaters have discovered quad skating outdoors. However, one of the countries’ longest-running advocates for outdoor roller skating is a black man, David Miles Jr. out of San Francisco, CA.
There are countless stories like this across music, science, politics, business, and beyond. So much of the things we take for granted in our daily lives; music, style, language, and more, has roots in Black creativity. That influence deserves recognition more than just one month a year. For me, it’s always been part of my life and the culture that shaped me. And in the face of today’s political and cultural backlash, I believe amplifying this truth is vital.
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.
White Chocolate - Roller Skating 