The skating rink has always been a place in the community where creators can express themselves through movement and dance. However, the roller rinks we cherished for so many years are now struggling due to lack of funding and increased rent. Consequently, many skaters have taken up space outside, and their new canvas has a much more profound meaning on the street. From viral videos on Instagram of Black goddesses skating to the latest Sza and Lizzo songs to Black skater groups reclaiming their space with style, attitude, and a new bop, roller skates are the new summer footwear accessory.
“I FEEL SEEN WHEN I’M ON SKATES, WHICH IS SOMETHING THAT I DON’T OFTEN FEEL. GROWING UP AS A BLACK WOMAN, EVEN AS A YOUNG BLACK GIRL, IT FELT LIKE I WASN’T ALWAYS SEEN IN SPACES.”
– Kamry James, Sista Skates Founder
As we think about how we can truly integrate health, wealth, and happiness into our lifestyles, it is important to get inspired and motivated by the talented women finding their groove in roller skating! Sure, you may take a few L’s but learning how to get back up with grace and class is the ultimate guide to finding who you are in life. It is about taking up space in a sport that for so long never included our narrative. In this article, we’ve uncovered the secret to the viral success of roller skating among Black women. Many multicultural skater groups “skate” with passion while advocating for fitness, mental health, and social justice. In celebration of our partnership with Nike’s Play New campaign, we are excited to highlight roller skating as the ultimate go-to sport you must try this summer.
Sisters on the Roll…
Many groups like Sista Skate focus on support, healing, and sisterhood. Based in Los Angeles, Sista Skate offers classes and group skating for women of color. Their purpose is to help fellow sisters release negative energy and have fun. Sista Skate has recently gained much traction on TikTok with its trendy fashion and dope moves. This group of Queens is the epitome of resiliency.
Grooving to the A…
It’s not a skate article until you mention Atlanta, Georgia, aka Hot ‘Lanta. They have nurtured a well-known skating community thanks to the infamous Cascade! The historical rink is home to many talented skaters and many hip-hop artists! The urban cult classic film ATL gave us a peek into the southern world of skating culture, and now the legacy is breathing new life thanks to social media’s Rollergirls.
Meet Professional Choreographer, Kamille. She is an internet sensation due to her daring and untouchable skating skills. The hot rollergirl is the CEO of Kameo Roll, which hosts online and in-person skating classes for all ages.
“KAMEO ROLL IS WHERE ROLLERSKATING AND FITNESS MEET.”
Kamille, Founder
Kamille believes that roller-skating is a great way to get your body in motion while having a nonstop party on wheels. Roller-skating is an exercise that can help individuals mentally as well. You can catch Kamille dominating the floors of Cascade as she continues to inspire many skating sisters.
Let’s ROLL…
Black women and skating is a harmonious thing. Aside from the cute and comfy outfits, roller skating brings harmony and spiritual peace of mind. Like any physical activity, it is not only great physically but mentally as well. Many bespoke skating groups founded by Black women have created a beautiful bond of sisterhood, and thanks to social media, this vibe is amplifying around the metaverse. In a world where it’s hard to take up space, we appreciate and celebrate our skating sisters. In the spirit of Nike’s Play New initiative, we recommend all of our MEFeaters to tap into their local skating groups. If you are a little hesitant, please check out some of our favorite roller girls below.
Ashe
Jas
Kamry James
Yanna
Ivy Brianna
Marician Brown
To find out more ways to Play New, check out our Twitter thread to view Nike’s official video and click here to view other cool ways to try something new.