Black culture is where heritage meets resilience, where the echoes of the past propel us forward, and nowhere is this more alive than in the spaces where community gathers, like Chicago’s iconic, The Rink. A roller-skating haven in Chicago’s South Side. Founded in 1974 by Carmen Clark and Nate Simpson, this iconic spot was born out of their frustration with having to drive to the suburbs for family fun. Determined to create a space for joy in their own neighborhood, they opened the first location in a former car dealership in Washington Heights, later moving to its current home in a former electrical warehouse. For 45 years, Clark and Simpson ran the rink, building it into a beloved community landmark. Then in 2019, Curtis and Ramona Pouncy—lifelong skating enthusiasts and regulars at The Rink—stepped in to carry the torch when the original owners announced they were ready to sell. 

For over fifty years, this legendary rink has been the backdrop for countless family memories, from weddings to first dates. It’s a place where people reconnect with their roots, where generations roll together to the beat of their favorite tunes. As Curtis says, “This rink is bigger than us as a couple... it’s a piece of history.” And they’re right—this is about more than just wheels on a floor. This rink is culture in motion, a place that has brought Black families together for decades, reinforcing the beauty of shared tradition and the simple joy of gathering. 

The journey of saving this space wasn’t easy. At one point, it looked like The Rink would be sold and transformed into a parking lot or corporate space. But Curtis and Ramona weren’t going to let that happen. “We knew we needed to step up,” Ramona explains. And step up they did. With the same love for their community that inspired Clark and Simpson in 1974, the Pouncys took on the challenge of keeping The Rink alive. For them, it’s not just a business; it’s a lifeline for the community, a space where families can feel safe, connected, and proud. As Ramona puts it, “This rink has seen generations of families skate here, and it’s become their second home.” Now, with the Pouncys at the helm, The Rink continues to be a cultural cornerstone.

What makes The Rink so special is how it celebrates everything beautiful about Black culture: resilience, creativity, and community. Roller-skating here isn’t just a pastime—it’s an art form, where style, music, and movement blend into something uniquely powerful. Curtis proudly shares, “We have kids skating here who are fifth, sixth, seventh generation,” continuing a tradition that links the past with the present, and even the future. For Curtis and Ramona, The Rink is more than a passion project; it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of community and the beauty of keeping Black culture alive, vibrant, and thriving. And it’s only just getting started.