Dashawn Jordan’s story is one of resilience and positivity. Like many skaters, Dashawn came from a less privileged background, but unlike some jaded pros, he exudes humility and optimism. It’s easy to assume that his success and demeanor are “media-trained,” but it quickly becomes clear that his attitude is genuine, a product of navigating life’s challenges without developing an ego or losing sight of his goals. Dashawn’s journey is not just about his skating prowess; it’s a testament to his character and a beacon of hope for the next generation of skaters.
Reconnecting With Family
One of the most impactful recent developments in Dashawn’s life is reconnecting with his father. Growing up without his dad, he met him for the first time earlier this year. This experience has been “awesome,” allowing him to “rekindle that flame and get to know him.” Dashawn acknowledges his mother’s sacrifices as a single parent who played both roles, struggling with bills and the inability to afford skate shoes and boards. His first sponsors were a major turning point in alleviating these financial hardships.
The reconnection with his father happened through a Facebook message from a woman named Amy, who revealed that she had a daughter by Dashawn’s father. She shared pictures of his dad, stepmom, and siblings, providing phone numbers for his father and grandfather.
Dashawn’s first call was to his grandfather, expressing his wish to meet his father without any expectations. Soon after, his older brother Josh called, initiating a meeting with his younger brother Cameron, who both commented on Dashawn’s resemblance to their father. This led to a series of interactions and a reunion with his father at a neighborhood block party. Dashawn never harbored anger towards his father, and instead, he was filled with joy about the opportunity to finally meet him.
Overcoming Adversity
Dashawn never had an easy path to success. He relied on hand-me-downs for skate gear, often using shoes that didn’t fit, and attending demos to catch product tosses. He would skate chipped and worn-out boards, a habit he maintains to this day. He recounts a time when he used a lock nut from AutoZone to fix his trucks because he didn’t know how to properly repair them.
Growing up, Dashawn lived in areas that weren’t “crazy, crazy bad,” but he was still exposed to their influences. He was around cousins who were involved in gangs and went to parties where he was exposed to violence. His grandfather on his mother’s side died from gun violence before he was born. He’s been to parties and been in cars that were shot up. Dashawn acknowledges that he has experienced a lot of difficult situations that have shaped his positive and humble attitude. This perspective has fueled his desire to remain humble, understanding the fragility of life, and to appreciate every moment.
Faith and Skateboarding
Dashawn’s family is Christian, a faith that has helped guide him through life. He attended church every weekend as a child and continues to pray regularly, not only when he needs help but as a form of gratitude. He recognizes God’s work in his life, expressing thanks for his safety, health and family. While his faith is an important part of his life, Dashawn’s view of religion is more open and accepting. When a friend once rolled up a joint using bible paper, he was surprised but still accepting, stating that he would not judge anyone based on their actions.
The Olympics and Global Impact
Dashawn Jordan is set to participate in the Olympics in Tokyo. He sees this as a platform to amplify his voice and inspire others, emphasizing the importance of uplifting and empowering people rather than seeking monetary gain. He believes the spotlight on the Olympics will provide an opportunity for him to be a positive influence and an advocate for change.
Dashawn is aware of the current state of affairs in America, but he’s hopeful that people are becoming more educated, respectful and understanding of different stories. He believes that if people were more open to educate themselves, and help instead of tear down, this could create a better world for everyone.
Contests, Motivation, and Reese’s Cups
Dashawn appreciates the competitive nature of skateboarding contests, and the challenges that come with landing a run he didn’t think was possible, but he acknowledges the problematic role of money. After winning his first Street League in Chicago, he became complacent, a mentality he soon realized was detrimental to growth. He understands that real progress and enjoyment come from passion, not from financial gain.
He enjoys betting Reese’s cups with his friend Mike Sinclair to motivate each other during trips. Once on a trip to North Carolina, Dashawn ended up buying Mike 72 Reese’s cups after a series of failed tricks.
Music and Creative Expression
During the quarantine, Dashawn has been spending his time working out, filming, and focusing on music, a passion he had not previously had time to explore. He released a feel-good dancehall song, “White Claw,” as a way to share something enjoyable and unexpected. He feels that it’s important for people to pursue their creative interests, as it can lead to greater confidence and improvements in their main passion.
Dashawn believes that skaters should not be judged for wanting to explore other creative pursuits like rapping or singing. He draws parallels to skaters who have formed rock bands, arguing that creativity should be encouraged in any form as long as it is good and the individual enjoys the process.
The Importance of Having an Agent
Dashawn is one of the few pros with an agent, because he recognizes that no one can do everything alone. He appreciates having someone to handle the corporate aspects of his career, allowing him to focus on his relationships and passions. He understands that having an experienced professional on his side is vital to ensure he is not taken advantage of in contracts. He emphasizes that an agent isn’t just for the best, but for those willing to work hard and seek protection in their business dealings.
Roller Skating: A Lifelong Passion
Dashawn’s pro party was held at a roller rink, reflecting his lifelong love for skating. He grew up roller skating in Tucson, Arizona, attending “sock hops” where he would dance and skate all night. He still enjoys going to the rink to unwind. He fondly remembers skating with friends like Mike Sinclair, Ishod Wair, and Alex Midler, during his party.
A Call for Authenticity and Acceptance
Dashawn believes that skateboarding needs more genuine acts of caring and acceptance. He wants people to feel empowered to express themselves without fear of judgment. He believes that encouraging individuality, whether it’s through music or other creative outlets, can lead to personal growth and improved performance in all aspects of life.
He also believes that skateboarding should move away from glorifying excessive drinking and negative behaviors. While understanding it is part of the culture, he believes it should be framed more positively and not be showcased as something to be celebrated. He emphasizes that the skateboarding community has a significant influence on the world, and they should be mindful of promoting healthy and positive images for the sake of future generations.
Dashawn Jordan’s story is more than just about skateboarding; it’s about resilience, family, and the importance of staying true to oneself. He’s a role model who demonstrates that with a positive attitude, you can overcome any obstacle and use your platform to make a real difference.
