interview

Curtis and Ramona, what makes your roller-skating rink such an important part of Chicago’s South Side?

RAMONA: It’s more than just a place to skate—it’s a piece of history, a part of the cultural fabric that brings families and communities together. For over fifty years, people have been coming here to not only skate but also celebrate life’s biggest moments—weddings, birthdays, even meeting future spouses. As Curtis often says, "This rink is bigger than us as a couple... it’s a piece of history." We feel a deep responsibility to keep that legacy alive.

CURTIS: Exactly. This rink is culture in motion. It’s a place where people, from kids to their grandparents, can come together and share something special. We’re not just preserving a building—we’re preserving a legacy of connection, creativity, and pride in our community.

How did you both get involved in saving this legendary rink?

CURTIS: The rink was actually up for sale and was about to be sold to a trucking company that would’ve turned it into a corporate lot. We knew that if we didn’t step in, the community would lose this cultural hub. At first, we didn’t think we could do it. But we kept thinking about what the rink means to so many people. I remember telling Ramona, "We need to step up." And after a lot of prayer and soul-searching, we decided to take on the challenge.

RAMONA: It wasn’t easy. But this rink has seen generations come through its doors. I mean, we have kids skating here today who are fifth, sixth, even seventh generation! It’s their second home. We couldn’t let that go. And now, we’re proud to say that we’re part of a lineage of Black skating rink owners, helping to keep the culture and community alive.

What role does roller-skating play in Black culture, especially here in Chicago?

RAMONA: Roller-skating, especially in our community, is more than just a sport—it’s an art form. It’s where style, music, and movement come together. Every time you see someone on the rink, you’re witnessing creativity in motion. People come here to express themselves, and that’s such a core part of Black culture. It’s not just about rolling around; it’s about showing the world who you are through how you skate.

CURTIS: And it’s a tradition that gets passed down. We’ve got entire families that skate together—grandparents teaching grandkids. The culture is alive, vibrant, and still thriving. As Ramona mentioned, we have multiple generations skating here. "We have kids skating here who are fifth, sixth, seventh generation," and it’s incredible to see that continuity. It’s proof that this rink is more than just a place—it’s a legacy.

What does the future look like for the rink under your leadership?

RAMONA: We’re excited about what’s ahead. Our main goal is to keep this place a safe haven for families, a space where they can come together and stay connected to their roots. We want to make sure it remains a cultural hub, not just for skating, but for community events, outreach, and more.

CURTIS: We’re just getting started. This rink has always been about the community, and that’s not going to change. We’re committed to ensuring it stays a place where people feel seen, celebrated, and supported. It’s about preserving the legacy while building on it for the future.

Can you explain what JB skating is and its significance in Chicago?

CURTIS: JB skating is a style unique to Chicago, and it's tied directly to the music of James Brown, hence the name JB. Skaters here move to the beat of his music, creating synchronized steps and routines in unison. Over the years, JB skating has become a major part of Chicago's skate culture. People from all over come here to learn the moves after seeing videos online. It's so distinct that when a Chicago skater steps onto a rink in another city, people instantly recognize them and say, "You’re from Chicago, aren’t you?" This style has become a symbol of our city’s rich Black culture.

Skating seems to represent more than just a sport—it’s often described as a form of freedom. Can you speak to that?

RAMONA: Absolutely. Skating gives you this incredible sense of freedom. Unlike team sports, where only a few can play at a time, on the rink, everyone gets to skate whenever they want. You can create your own moves, get into your own flow, and just let go. The wind in your hair, the rhythm of the music, and the release of endorphins—it's therapeutic. You forget the outside world and get lost in your zone. It's great for your body and mind, burning calories without even realizing it. When people skate, they often say they feel completely free.