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BLACK COLLEGE HOUSES URBAN SKATING ARCHIVES This article appeared in the 04/14/2005 Denver Weekly News. WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (MSRC), located on the campus of Howard University, houses more than 600 archive collections which preserve the history, records and memory of Black individuals and organizations from around the world. Late last year, the center added a surprising collection that is unique and exciting in comparison to others found there. The National African American Roller Skating Archives Project (NAARSAP) was set up to document the history and experiences of Black roller skaters, rink owners, promoters and enthusiasts. Tasha Klusmann of Our Family Skate Association (OFSA) conceived the idea of the archive years ago. She comes from a family where skating has been tradition for generations. Her mother founded the Washington D.C.-based skate association more than 20 years ago, as a non-profit group which promoted family and community bonding through diverse activities, but primarily roller skating. Coming from such a family, Klusmann’s passion and enthusiasm about preserving the history of urban skating is high and was key in MSRC welcoming NAARSAP as a new collection. “[Tasha] is excited about the project and it’s contagious,” said Joellen ElBashir, curator of MSRC’s manuscript division. “By the time our initial meeting was over, she had won me over. We were very excited to get [OFSA’s] records.” Currently, the collection contains entries, from D.C. area skate clubs, such as photos, fliers, skate attire and tickets and programs from events and contests. With the official announcement of the archives project, OFSA is seeking submissions from skaters around the country. In addition to the previously named items, the group seeks donations of written, audio or video taped accounts of skate related happenings dating from the early 1900s to present. Urban roller skating history may not be widely known but is set for worldwide acclaim with the scheduled summer release of movie Roll Bounce, which stars Bow Wow, Nick Cannon, Meagan Goode and a number of other popular entertainers. The film also features many talented, skilled and avid Black skaters who for the most part, are only known to those who see them every week at their local rink’s “adult soul night” skating session. Audiences captivated by the skating seen in the movie may increase their level of respect for the contributions Blacks have made and the unique, creative ways they express themselves on roller skates. Klusmann had the opportunity to be an extra in the film and has also been featured in documentaries pertaining to the activity she loves. These filmings undoubtedly will become part of Howard University’s collection in the future and will live on for generations in the company of archives dedicated to individuals like attorney and former presidential advisor Vernon Jordan, and organizations like The Shriners and those named for Black fraternities and sororities. Although far removed from the academic, serious themes of many collections, the skate archive is still viewed as holding a place of importance in Black history. “When Mrs. Klusmann first came to me about skating, I didn’t get the significance, but that was my ignorance,” ElBashir said. “[NAARSAP] is something unique to what we collect - it is action and people who are excited about an activity. No recent acquisition better reflects the scope and diversity of MSRC’s manuscript collections.” NAARSAP donations can be sent to Our Family Skate Association, PO Box 41236, Washington, D.C., 20018 or contact tashaklusmann@yahoo.com - Kim Muhammad -
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