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Black Rollerskating Culture References

Roller skating has had a resurgence in popularity in recent years, but it’s far from a new pastime. So, if you associate skating moves with TikTok influencers and old movies like Xanadu — you don’t know the full story.

Bill ‘Jamma’ Butler aka the Godfather of Roller Disco, brought dance music to the Empire Rollerdrome in Brooklyn, in the 1970s. Over the many decades of his career, Butler coached, mentored and encouraged thousands of roller skaters. His artistry and skill are considered to be the beginning of today’s most popular jam skating styles.

Even though it wasn’t on trend, roller skating continued to a be a big part of Black culture. Every cool move you see today has likely derived from a Black rolla skater.