The wild history of the African American roller skating community

World on Wheels is a roller skating rink on Venice Blvd in Mid City. It was closed for years, which brought an end to local African American skate culture.  But on so-called “adult nights,” black skaters created a vibrant scene at this roller rink and others like it across the country. They developed elaborate dance moves as they skated. In the 80s, rappers like Queen Latifah and Dr. Dre performed. The story of black roller skating culture is the focus of the HBO documentary “United Skates.”