Black People in Chicago Were Not Always Allowed to Roller Skate Indoors

In fact, Black people were first allowed to roller skate indoors at the Savoy Ballroom in Chicago’s Bronzeville community on December 8, 1938 thanks to Jimmie Davis, the manager of The Savoy at that time. I don’t have the newspaper articles back this up because the microfilm machines were down at the Vivian Harsh Research… Read More »

Do You or Did You Roller Skate? Your Skate Story is Needed

I am researching ROLLER SKATING (not inline or ice skating) for a book I am writing, and your story is needed. I don’t care how much or how little you skated, your story is important to me.  Right now, I’m working on a site where you can submit your story.  Until it is complete, please… Read More »

Welcome to Real Skate Stories

Hello my fellow Roller Skaters! Welcome to Real Skate Stories where you can share your skating stories with the world or with me. It’s totally up to you. And, you choose how you want to share it – you can write, speak or video record your information. The purpose of this site to gather as… Read More »

Roller Skating Research Findings

While researching  roller skating in Chicago, I found a couple articles from the late 1970s and early ’80s  that mentioned black skaters or rinks and then focused on suburban rinks. The writers started the stories talking about recreational skating which was, and still is, done in black rinks, and and then went to competitive speed… Read More »

Writing & Researching Interns Needed for Roller Skating Project

I am a roller skating entrepreneur and journalist seeking 2-3 interns to help conduct research on Chicago’s roller skating history.  You don’t have to be a roller skater yourself; you just have to have a high level of interest in learning more about this old school, yet relatively obscure leisure activity and Chicago. Ideal interns… Read More »

Answer to My Question: Where Are the Black People in Roller Skating?

The Universe sent a resource to answer my question: Where are the Black People in Roller Skating? During an interview with someone for my roller skating book, the statement was made that roller skating has always been a white sport. But, it has take over black communities. I get that. At some point throughout history,… Read More »