Honoring the History of America's Favorite Pastime: NYC RollerSkate Week 2021
At SHOWFIELDS, one of our biggest goal is to bring communities together. By working with mission based brands, we hope to inspire and drive individuals back to their roots, discover unique stories, and honor organizations with a purpose.
With the launch of our inaugural NYC RollerSkate Week, SHOWFIELDS is excited to kick off an array of events in collaboration with the African American Roller Skating Museum.
There is a deep wave of nostalgia that comes with roller skating; memories of school clubs, birthday parties, and skating rinks come flooding back. Many of us have a soft spot for this playful sport and its history of serving as a pillar in many communities. Since the pandemic began, we noticed a skating revival as Americans turned to the hobby as an escape from the lock-down. Viral social media videos, challenges, and even skating meet-ups all added to the resurgence of this wistful activity.
SHOWFIELDS believes in keeping this cultural resurgence alive while also educating those who may not understand the weight the popular pastime holds in African American culture. The first NYC RollerSkate Week will serve as an honorary reminder that despite its increased attention and lock-down craze, our favorite activity is much more than a trend.
Roller skating was and will always be a form of liberation for most and its time we recognize the political history that lies beneath America's favorite hobby. Our partnership with the African American Roller Skating Museum is all about acknowledging a pastime that is filled with an abundance of history, culture, and pride.
From April 23rd-30th, attendees can immerse into themes that incorporate historical roller skating narratives including mental health, dance, art, and racial injustice. Guests will also enjoy a screening of HBO Max's award-winning documentary, "United Skates."
"Right now, in this very moment, people are looking for more than lip-service. They want to see action behind those statements of solidarity and calls for justice. This partnership with SHOWFIELDS demonstrates that there are brands who are sincere in their efforts to uplift black voices and provide spaces for the full expression of black culture, curated by black people themselves. For the African-American skate community, which is struggling to receive equal representation, and acknowledgement for their historic contributions to roller skating, this collaboration serves as a shining example of possibility, and hopefully will encourage other brands to follow suit," says Jocelyn Goode, Director of the African American Roller Skating Museum.
With post-pandemic flutter in the air, what better way to reunite our communities than to tap into nostalgia, dive into history, and skate with a purpose? Click here to learn more about the events taking place during NYC RollerSkate Week.
SHOWFIELDS is also in partnership with Moonlight Roller, a POC female-founded company that is praised for its contribution and revival of roller-skating culture. The brand's mantra is all about inclusivity and invites every kind of skater to join its open community.
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for exciting updates on RollerSkate Week and information on all things interesting, @SHOWFIELDS.
