Roller skating has become increasingly popular since the coronavirus pandemic. But African American skaters have been gracefully gliding around LA and cities nationwide for decades. They developed unique dance styles and new music scenes despite segregation and discrimination. New skaters are learning about the history they’re now a part of.
The legacy and resurgence of African American roller skate culture
People from LA, Ojai, Solvang, and San Diego come to Santa Barbara to skate with the SB Rollers. “I see a lot of individual people doing their own thing, but not really socializing,” says Terrance Brown. Photo by Kathryn Barnes/KCRW.
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