Skateboarding offers a unique sense of freedom, where the world’s problems seem to fade away. However, as Neftalie Williams points out, skateboarding is also “of the world,” meaning it’s not immune to societal issues, including racism. In the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests, skaters worldwide have united to confront this issue. To foster understanding and allyship, several black skaters shared their personal experiences with race and how it has impacted their skateboarding journey. Their stories highlight the need for empathy, understanding, and a commitment to equality within the skate community.
A group of diverse skateboarders, emphasizing the inclusivity that the sport should embody. The image highlights the importance of diverse representation within the skateboarding community.
Rashad Murray
How have your interactions with police been while skating?
My experiences with law enforcement while skating are generally negative. Security guards can be overly aggressive, and police are quick to ruin your session. I’ve noticed a clear difference in how cops treat white skaters versus myself. They seem more comfortable and respectful towards white skaters, whereas they tend to question and antagonize me.
What should white skaters do if they witness this happening?
Stand up for us! Use your privilege to protect those around you. The police have repeatedly shown a disregard for the well-being of black and brown people. Don’t just stand by and watch. Record police interactions, step in to protect your friends, and challenge the blatant hostility. When white people ignore these situations, it emboldens the police. Show that you care, even one person stepping up can help keep us safe.
Rashad Murray captured in motion, performing a skateboard trick. The image encapsulates the skill and athleticism of black skaters, challenging stereotypes.
Have you experienced racism within the skate community?
I’ve heard comments like, “You jump higher because you’re black,” or “Black skaters are better at heelflips.” The one that bothered me most was, “You don’t skate like most black skaters.” These might not be overt slurs, but they are microaggressions that made me feel uncomfortable. When I was younger, I didn’t know how to process them. I was seeking acceptance and didn’t want to overreact. Now, I don’t care about that anymore. I’m going to defend myself and other skaters of color who are disrespected.
What are your thoughts on “Blue Lives Matter” or “All Lives Matter”?
I find those statements ridiculous. A “blue life” isn’t a thing. Being a cop is a choice, while being black isn’t. If a cop is afraid of dying on duty, they should find another job. Of course, all lives matter, but when a specific group is being targeted, like black people, it’s insensitive to say “All Lives Matter”. It’s like responding to a breast cancer awareness post with “What about skin cancer?”. It’s rude and dismissive. If you say “Blue Lives Matter” or “All Lives Matter,” you’re part of the problem.
What does the Black Lives Matter movement mean to you?
It’s about fighting against the oppression of black people, not just police brutality. It encompasses protecting our health, education, environment, resources, finances, and culture. We must stop all forms of violence and neglect towards black people worldwide. It’s disheartening that there needs to be a movement to remind people that black lives should be valued.
Another dynamic shot of Rashad Murray skateboarding. The image represents the energy and passion that black skaters bring to the sport, regardless of societal barriers.
Any thoughts on the protests?
It was inspiring to see people of all races come together to fight for change. We’re stronger when we unite, and I hope we can maintain this momentum. It won’t be easy to dismantle a corrupt system, but seeing people try is inspiring. Stay safe, and remember that our collective voices can make a difference. Don’t let setbacks discourage you, and keep fighting in the best way you can.
Zach Allen
What have your interactions with police been like while skating?
My experiences have varied. Living in Los Angeles, skateboarding is generally more accepted, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t encountered racism. I’ve been detained in a cop car while my non-black friends weren’t, and I’ve been asked if I’m in a gang despite having a skateboard and not fitting the stereotype.
What can white skaters do when they witness these situations?
White skaters can help by recording the situation, noting badge numbers, and reporting officers or security guards when things escalate.
Do you think there’s racism within the skateboarding industry?
There’s definitely a subtle racism that can exist within the industry. However, given that skateboarding is so diverse, it’s difficult for overt racists to thrive. I think there are closet racists in the industry that need to be identified.
Zach Allen skillfully executing a trick, showing his talent and dedication to skateboarding. This highlights the skill and talent that exists within the black skateboarding community.
Have you spoken out against it?
I’ve always spoken out against it because being black is my daily reality. Lately, I’ve been more vocal about the issues. I’m fortunate to have genuine people and sponsors who encourage me to speak up. Skateboarding’s diversity allows people from different backgrounds to connect and learn from each other.
When did you first witness police brutality?
I first saw police brutality when I was seven years old, in front of my house. I’ve witnessed it many times since then. It was frightening, and I eventually became a victim of that type of treatment myself.
What are your thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement?
The Black Lives Matter movement is important but there have been many organizations fighting for civil rights for decades, including my ancestors. Voices are being heard, but there will always be animosity between these racial groups. Change will only come when people learn not to hate.
Zach Allen in action, showcasing his unique skateboarding style. The image illustrates the diversity and talent within the black skate community.
Have you heard white skateboarders use the N-word?
Yes, I have. I’ve gotten into the habit of telling people not to use it. At first, I was oblivious. Then my mom told me to check anyone who isn’t black for using it. Ultimately, it shouldn’t be used, but we reclaimed it as part of our culture, even though it was meant to degrade us.
How can non-sponsored skaters support black skaters?
Include them, help them learn, and treat them like any other person. White skaters can repost content, sign petitions, donate, and be allies. During protests, make sure black people aren’t being mistreated. Don’t be the problem by looting or provoking the police because they will target black people first. Spread love, and teach the next generation to be kind.
Kevin Romar
Do you think there is racism within the skateboard industry?
Yes, definitely. There are some racists, but they’re getting called out now. I don’t understand how they’ve lasted this long.
Has skating done anything good to mend racial issues?
Skateboarding is mostly unified, but when a skater has been racist, they have to apologize publicly. You can forgive someone if they want to improve, but if they don’t, they should be canceled.
What can skate companies do to uplift the black skate community?
They can start by adding more diversity to their teams and supporting the #blacklivesmatter movement. Companies benefit from our culture; we support their movements, so they should support ours. Uplifting the black skate community means supporting us and having our backs. Sometimes companies blacklist black skaters when they pursue other interests. It’s ridiculous to see. They seem to like rap music but hate it at the same time. It’s not right to segregate us.
Kevin Romar executing a skateboard maneuver with incredible skill and precision. The image conveys his expertise and commitment to the sport.
What has your personal experience with police been like?
I’ve been roughed up by cops for too long. I’ve been detained and put in the back of a cop car when I was about 17 because they “thought” I looked like someone. I’ve been slammed on a cop car for leaving a skatepark 10 minutes after closing. I’ve been stopped and questioned many times for “looking like someone” that shouldn’t be driving my car.
Can you describe the video of you being detained?
I was on an eS footwear trip in Minneapolis when I was a victim of police brutality and racial profiling. There were ten of us, and I was the only black person on the trip. Bike cops told us to stop skating. I immediately picked up my board, but my teammates kept skating. When a cop whistled again, I told my team to get off their boards. As I walked my board, a cop approached me and told me to get off my board. I said I was off my board, and he asked why my teammates weren’t. I said I didn’t know and that we were leaving.
He then asked for my ID. I asked why because I had done nothing wrong. He grabbed the back of my shirt, twisted the neck, and threw me on a concrete bench. He put his forearm on my neck, choking me and putting all his weight on me for at least a minute. I yelled that I couldn’t breathe. He continued until he finally pulled me up and twisted my arm to handcuff me.
A powerful visual of the police aggression that Kevin Romar experienced. The image is an important reminder of the need for police reform and accountability.
What was going through your mind when that happened?
My mind was shattered, broken, and my spirit was gone. I couldn’t believe it happened to me at such a young age. No one else got in trouble besides me. They cited me, took my skateboard, and I couldn’t skate the rest of the trip. Everyone tried to comfort me. I fought, but they swept my case under the rug.
What does the Black Lives Matter movement mean to you?
It means that we’re fighting for our right to matter. My ancestors spent 400 years building this country and never got what they were promised. We just want to matter. The fight will continue, and much more will come out of this movement. This movement has been around since 2013, and they will be heard. They’re going to have to rewrite history from this movement.
Shuriken Shannon
What can white skaters do when they see a cop targeting a black skater?
It’s good to observe because things can escalate rapidly when encountering law enforcement. Call out injustice when you see it. With the widespread use of phones, we can record incidents immediately. Don’t be intimidated by the police, who may try to scare you with the consequences.
Do you think there is racism instilled within the skate industry?
Yes, there are quite a few bad apples, both visible and subtle. They will eventually get called out. I’ve experienced racial slurs, and sometimes these situations are only addressed with a slap on the wrist.
What should we be doing daily to help?
Educate those around you who lack understanding about the issue. We have the right to correct people’s ill-minded mistakes and stand for what’s right.
Shuriken Shannon displaying incredible balance and skill on a skateboard. The image serves as a reminder of the talent and passion within the black skateboarding community.
Have you witnessed incidents similar to George Floyd in San Diego?
I’ve had guns and tasers aimed at me while skating. I’ve been stopped while driving for resembling someone else. Although thankfully, I haven’t experienced the same excessive force as George Floyd. Every time I get pulled over, those images and stories run through my mind, and I wonder if I’ll be next.
What does the Black Lives Matter movement mean to you?
It means a sense of awareness of the ongoing problem that people with my skin complexion face. It represents our fight against systemic racism and injustices in this country.
Have you heard white skateboarders use the N-word?
Yes, more often than I’d like. I instantly correct the situation, which can sometimes get ugly due to their arrogance. I don’t understand why they use that word. When they get called out, maybe they’ll rethink their behavior.
Have you been part of the protests?
Yes, I’ve been to some in my city. It always starts peacefully until one event sparks chaos, usually because of the police. They show no regard for human life, especially people of color. I saw a grandmother get shot by a rubber bullet in the head and a whole block get burned down. As MLK said, “Riot is the language of the unheard.” The government does not hear us. The system is corrupt, and racist ways must end. We all need to unite and keep this message clear. Change is now.
Jahmir Brown
What have your interactions with police been like while skating in Philly?
In Philly, you just run from the cops. They are often hostile and aggressive for no reason. Security guards are eager to fight. I’ve seen cops taze kids, put them in chokeholds, and hold their boards up like trophies. They’ve even followed me into stores, waiting for me to go skate so they can harass me. Most of us in Philly have experienced this. We are told, “Don’t talk to cops because you don’t know what they’re gonna do.” “Run for your life, don’t get caught.” I’ve seen friends jumped by cops, given fake tickets, and had their property stolen. What would you think of cops if that happened to you?
Jahmir Brown’s raw talent shines as he performs a skateboarding trick. This illustrates the passion and dedication that black skaters have for the sport, despite the obstacles they face.
Do you feel like you are treated differently than white skaters?
Yes, all the time, especially in cars. They ask for my license even when I am not driving.
What can white skaters do when they see something like this?
Speak up. When I was being questioned in the car, my homie spoke up and said, “Why do you need his license? He doesn’t even drive.” It meant a lot to me because it reassured me that they had my best interest at heart. It also made the officer explain the situation better, rather than being aggressive towards me.
When was the first time you saw a cop use excessive force?
When our house was broken into, the cops blamed my mom and were disgusting to her while she was distraught. Another time, my friend got jumped by cops, given a fake ticket, and his board was given to a random person. He had two black eyes for a month. When he reported it, the officer names on the ticket were fake.
What do you think when you hear “Blue Lives Matter” or “All Lives Matter?”
They hate people like me.
Another captivating action shot of Jahmir Brown, showing his mastery of skateboarding. The image underscores the need to support and uplift black skaters within the community.
Do you think the BLM movement will cause change?
Yes, they’re already being heard. You can see that with all the support that local and federal law agencies are giving. On Go Skateboarding Day, this summer, there were so many people at Muni, a federal building where it’s illegal to skate. Two cops walked up to us and asked if we were okay and needed water. We were all shocked because we’ve never experienced anything like that before. They were trying to keep their jobs, and the movement is applying needed pressure. We kept saying, “They talked to me like a person.” It was unreal.
Mustafa “Moose” Abrams
What have your interactions with police been like while skating?
My interactions with police and security have been pretty chill, to be honest. Sometimes security guards act tough, which makes me want to fight or argue. I wish they’d just try to talk like normal people. Cops can be a hit or miss, depending on who called them. One time, the cops chased us while skating in Midtown, and they caught me, slammed me on the trunk of the car, and told me, “If you weren’t 14 you would be getting so many charges.”
Do you think there is racism instilled within the skate industry?
I would like to say no, but the truth is, racism is everywhere.
What can skate companies do to uplift the black skate community?
Skate companies can start by giving jobs to black skaters, letting them feel like they’re actually part of the company, instead of using black imagery. Think about how many black team managers, filmmakers, and photographers are involved in the industry, compared to their white counterparts. Why isn’t there equal opportunity? There are many talented black photographers and filmmakers who never got the same opportunities. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE AN EQUAL CHANCE TO EAT AT THE TABLE!
Mustafa “Moose” Abrams demonstrating his skateboarding prowess. The image highlights the need for equal opportunity in the skateboarding industry.
What do you think when you hear “Blue Lives Matter,” or “All Lives Matter?”
It shows how selfish some people can be. How can all lives matter when black lives are literally being taken away? ALL LIVES CAN’T MATTER UNTIL BLACK LIVES ACTUALLY MATTER! The bible uses the example of a lost sheep. If one sheep goes missing from a flock of 100, all the others still matter, but the focus needs to be on bringing back the one in danger. People who say “All lives matter” are too selfish and not willing to change.
Do you think after these protests, BLM voices will be heard?
After everything, I would like things to change, but you can see that they don’t care. They will treat it like a trend. They might give us small things, like streets and plazas, but we won’t get real justice. The system needs to be rebuilt from the ground up.
Any tips for people protesting?
DON’T SCREAM AT THE COPS IN THEIR FACE BECAUSE THEY WILL ARREST YOU! I saw people get smoked right after they did that. KEEP EVERYTHING PEACEFUL AND TAKE CARE OF EACH LIKE FAMILY!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!
Neftalie Williams
You’ve done a lot of skateboarding in academia. How’s that going?
My Ph.D. thesis is on race relations in skating from the 1960s to now. I see myself as wearing two hats. I love skateboarding, it’s our home, but we can be better. We can be progressive and lead the way.
How can race conversations be started within skateboarding?
I’m trying to lay the foundation with my thesis, and eventually a book. We’re trying to have too many discussions at once. I want to provide a base for us to build from. We can examine the experiences of many skaters of color over the decades and start to understand how people experienced race in the past and how they experience it now.
Many people don’t understand why people left their companies; they didn’t feel represented. Even at progressive companies, they felt like they were not being given a voice. The company owners still don’t get it because no one has ever brought it up to them.
What do you think when people get defensive about being called out for using the N-word?
People say, “I have to be PC.” It’s not about politics; it’s about human beings treating each other with respect. People get lost when they think it’s about political correctness, not basic human decency. Is that how you talk to your grandmother? She has expectations for how she should be spoken to. That’s not political, it’s respectful. If people say “we used to be able to say it,” now you know it’s hurtful and is used against groups of people. Do you really want to be part of that?
How can skaters improve the industry?
Skateboarding is governed by our culture. People will tell you how to be respectful, and if you don’t listen or care, you won’t get the call. Nobody has to tell you, nobody is obligated to force you to be respectful. If you choose to not be respectful your value decreases, and your role in the culture goes down. You brought that on yourself.
A portrait of Neftalie Williams, a scholar and advocate for equity in skateboarding. This image showcases a leader in the fight against racism within the skateboarding world.
These interviews, conducted by Larry Lanza, and featuring photos by Seu Trinh, Matthew Smith, Keith Debottis, Dominic McFarlane, and Ben Karpinski, highlight the importance of understanding and addressing racism within the skateboarding community. This is a crucial step in making skateboarding truly inclusive for everyone.
