A Commentary on the United Skates Documentary
by Desi
POSTED 10.3.18

LOS ANGELES, CA - This past weekend, I had an opportunity to attend the screening of the United Skates Documentary.  I discovered there are two ways to view this film:  1) as a skater and 2) as an American.  If you are African American or member of another underrepresented group that has be privy to the unjust hand of racism and discrimination, you will have an even more conscious viewing experience. I learned some things about the skate industry that I was not quite aware of but it also took me back to some of the unpleasant experiences I have encountered in this sector, as recently as 2015. There is a strong message that should be taken away from this film, a message that should motivate you to take action.    Roller Skating rinks are closing at an alarming rate.  I bet as you are receiving this information, you can name at least five rinks that have closed in your lifetime.  For me, Skateland and Rollerworld Bus Stop (Dayton, OH), Elsmere/Adrenaline (Wilmington, DE), Almeda (Houston, TX), Empire (Brooklyn, NY) and I could go on. 

Let’s look at the worst case scenario, if all rinks nationwide closed, where would we go to release stress and get exercise what would we do?  What would be our getaway from the everyday stresses of life?  Where would we host national events?

The nationwide style skate community has been blessed over the past 20 years to have films produced that showcases what we do in different ways:  8 Wheels and Some Soul Brotha Music, Roll Bounce, ATL, and now the United Skates documentary.  Let’s talk about 8 Wheels.  This documentary focused on the injustices that we as skaters have been subjected to just because we want to be free to exercise our right to personal and joyful recreation.  Early scenes in Roll Bounce featured a neighborhood rink that closed in an area that was accessible to minorities.  The easiest way to make it hard for someone to have something is to remove it from reach. 

Everyone wants positive change but many do not take the time or put in effort to make that change.  The only way to make change is to take action but this action must be strategic and effective.  Conversations need to occur. Agreements need to take place.  Support for one another should be the main goal.

In closing,

1. Take an opportunity to see the United Skates documentary and watch it as an American.  Step out of the “skate zone” and receive the message that is being put before you.

2. Register to vote if you are not registered. Exercise your right to vote if you are registered by going to the polls, not just for the presidential election but EACH AND EVERY ELECTION.  They all count.
3. Educate yourself on what is happening with political issues in your hometown and determine when and where you enter the conversation to take action.

Meanwhile, the skate community has done an excellent job with the Screening Sellout Challenge, filling each documentary screening to capacity.  Your support is very much appreciated. #unitedskatesdoc

~Desi
SkateGroove.com