Norman Dun 3w5 of Alabama launches the first black owned skating brand in Alabama. Norman comments that the journey has not been easy. "When I first decided to launch the brand everybody told me it would not work. That just gave me motivation to do it anyway. When people think of skating, they automatically turn the other way," Norman says.
"Why did you start skating?"—" It was my outlet away from the world. It helped me face depression. The only way to take my mind off of things. I was always the outside child. Skating is my favorite thing to do right now it is my therapy," he answered.
The French inventor M. Petitbled painted a three-wheeled inline skate model in Paris in 1819. But it wasn't until 1863 that James Plimpton “revolutionized the roller skate” by designing quad skates, according to the National Museum of Roller Skating.
What is Chasin Checks Clothing Brand? —
"CCCB Is a black owned skater style clothing brand. I wanted to merge my personal style with skating. I wanted to help my community. Coming from a small town, there is not much to do with all the violence. I've seen a lot of my peers die from gun violence. Family, friends, and love ones. My brand is not a black or white brand, or a color brand; It's about uniting everyone, and bringing back a culture that gave people an owlet to be free," Norman states. " I started my brand in my bedroom. I had limited supplies but I took what I had and took the first step. From there, people seen my style and wanted to purchase my clothes. And from there Chasin Checks Clothing Brand was born. I see myself having my own store soon." "I have invested my own money into my brand to make sure that it represents who I am," Norman added.
In the 1950s, skating rinks offered only one night per week where the Black community could come together. This night was originally called “Black night ,” but got changed to different code names such as “Soul Night” and “Martin Luther King Night” during the Civil Rights movement. Because everything was still segregated during this time, clothing and music policies discriminated against the stylization and culture of Black communities.
As the rich history of Black roller skating started to develop, places such as Central Park, New York and Los Angeles, Calif. were the first city sanctuaries for the Black skating culture. Due to segregation, the Black community was kept out of indoor skating rinks. Therefore skating on the streets of these cities became a way of expression and freedom. Another place of refuge from discrimination was Venice Beach, which became the epicenter of roller dancing. Roller Dreams (. is a documentary focused on the history of roller skating and roller dancing in Venice Beach, Calif. from 1979 to present day. Because of this, roller dancing became a global phenomenon.
However, one of the most famous instances of roller skating intersecting with the Civil Rights Movement included a man named Ledger Smith, which was all over the news in the Washington Post. Leading up to Martin Luther King Jr.’s incredibly well known “I Have a Dream” speech, Smith skated 685 miles to attend this monumental moment in history. This in itself was a statement that contributed to the strength and power of the Black community.
Even during a pandemic, roller skating has resurged as an American pastime. Now, many roller skaters recognize the historical ties roller skating has to the Black community, especially during the Civil Rights era. In the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement that regained momentum in the summer of 2020, Ana Coto created Tik Tok videos of her roller skating while also sharing how the “black history of roller skating is an inspiration.” Being able to recognize the rich Black culture and history behind roller skating, even during these times, is necessary in understanding why it is the bridge for Black Americans to find freedom and security.
If interested, skating rinks around town are still open for business. Now more than ever, individuals at La Sierra University can understand how roller skating contributed to the movement toward equal rights and freedom.La Sierra University embraces diversity, while making it an integral part of its community
Creatives around the world are experiencing financial challenges like Norman's. As a creator, we have had to come together to develop a way to make things work for everyone; By Investing our blood sweat and tears.
Norman stated that there was even times where he wanted to throw in the towel, but his faith in God kept him in his lowest moments.
" Nipsey Hussle motivated me day in and day out. He gave me the courage I need for my brand. He was perfect motivation. His loss was heartfelt around the world." He said. "He was motivation to all races around the world. Coming from gang culture that is major. There's a lot of hate in the world. When people have good hearts sometimes people can't take that. Sometimes evil takes over. " "Never be afraid to be different" continued Norman.
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