NATIONAL SKATE PARTIESWhat will their legacy be? Op-ed by Kim Muhammad RST readers may or may not have noticed that this e-magazine attempts to focus more on news, views and features pertaining to the sport of R&B quad roller skating rather than on what have come to be known as National Skate Parties. There are times, however, when some of these events are attended and covered. These national skate jams started back in 1996 with only three events in Atlanta, Detroit and St. Louis. The number of cities represented was extremely small compared to the number that turn out for these events in 2003. Skaters now have a skate calendar full of events and even multiple events within a single month. The pattern or structure of these skate parties was laid by those original organizers and that pattern is still being followed today, for the most part, in spite of the fact that more cities and skaters are in attendance at these events than they were seven years ago. It seems that the pattern or structure has not been adjusted to fully accommodate the increased number of skaters who participate in these skate extravaganzas. One example of this is when it comes time for “Roll Call” which has become a standard feature at most of these skate jams. This is when each city or state is called separately onto the floor and given the opportunity to skate to their choice of song to show everybody their particular area's style of skating. Back in 1996, Roll Call may have taken 30 minutes which would have been enough time to give at least seven cities the chance to be called out, and back then there may have only been seven or less cities represented. Today's larger events show the amount of growth that has taken place over the years as Roll Call can now take up to 1 ½ hours to the great displeasure of a number of skaters who spend the bulk of that time sitting on the side watching, and sometimes witnessing a certain area or city get called onto the floor twice. Meanwhile, many skaters are off the floor long enough to become cold, stiff and may not even feel like returning to the floor to skate again. Does the pattern for Roll Call that was established and followed since 1996 need to be updated to allow for the larger crowds that are now attending some of these events? Does Roll Call need to become a thing of the past or does a new pattern or structure need to be designed that will allow various cities and states to be able to represent their styles in a different manner and in a more reasonable amount of time? RST is simply posing the questions for consideration amongst event organizers and concerned skaters. Is the primary purpose of these events to elevate R&B quad roller skating, or is there even a particular purpose for these events other than for people to have a good time? If the purpose is to garner more respect for our unique expression of the sport, is that goal being accomplished and if so, how is it being accomplished? Hundreds and hundreds of Black skaters are now attending these events on a monthly basis and collectively, over the course of a year, are spending thousands and thousands of dollars which contribute to keeping a number of White owned skating rinks, hotels and rental car companies financially sound and in business. However, after seven years of skate parties, (to our knowledge), not one new rink, hotel or rental car company owner has come from the ranks of those who faithfully attend these events. These skate jams continue to primarily benefit White owned rinks and businesses. As skaters indulge (or overindulge) in traveling to these national parties, the rinks, hotels and car companies are rolling away with most of the profit and with businesses and financial security to pass on to their children or other family members one day. Sadly, many skaters individually and collectively have yet to achieve that level of financial success. What are the skaters rolling away with? Some good memories, a T-shirt, a video, a new skate move, a good time, a potential love interest, some new friends or even just an attitude? Are we content that this is all we will have to pass on to our children or the next generation of skaters? If not, it may be past time that we intensify our efforts to “take this
thing to the next level.” Otherwise, the current popularity of these
parties is going to fade out just like the 80s skate craze, leaving Black
skaters with just about the same thing - little more than some good memories
and still at the mercy of White rink owners, some of whom did not even
want Black skaters in their rinks just a few short years ago.
Please support Black owned rinks as often as you can and if you have issues with their management, attempt to work them out before choosing to move onto other rinks. - KM - |