Illustration created for Big Cartel
”Roller-rinks were not only the site of many protests back in the civil rights movement of the 60s, but also one of the first and only venues willing to host hip-hop artists as the genre was born and gained momentum in the 80s. The Black skating community has been around for decades, but with rising property costs and rezoning, countless rinks across the US have closed making it harder for folks to come together in this way. Even still, the community remains alive and vibrant. ⁠⠀
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This is captured in the 2018 documentary United Skates - which we highly recommend checking out if you can. The film is enlightening, mesmerizing, heartbreaking, and joyful all at once.” ⁠⠀