Watch United Skates

United Skates is a documentary film released in 2018 directed by Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown. The movie revolves around the underground black roller-skating scene in America, highlighting the history of the activity and the passionate community surrounding it. Throughout the film, we are introduced to African-American roller rinks across the United States that have experienced a steady decline in recent years. Featuring interviews with rink owners, skaters, and their families, the filmmakers explore the vibrant culture surrounding this community and the struggle to keep it alive.

We learn about the origins of roller skating in the 1970s and its significance in black American culture. Roller rinks were some of the few spaces where African Americans could safely gather and socialize, and skating became an important part of their identity. The film highlights how roller skating helped to create a sense of community, providing a safe space for self-expression and a way to escape the discrimination and violence of the outside world.

As the movie progresses, we are presented with the harsh reality that many of these rinks are closing down due to gentrification, lack of support, and tight regulations. The filmmakers document the fight against seemingly endless obstacles to keep the roller skating community alive, with skaters and activists working together to raise awareness for their cause.

One of the most poignant moments in the film is the story of Phelicia Wright, a mother and advocate for the roller skating community. Wright shares her own experiences with skating and explains the importance of the rinks in providing a positive environment for children to learn and grow. As she works to save skating rinks, she confronts city officials and lawmakers about the lack of support for the community.

The film also features interviews with notable figures from the world of hip-hop and roller skating, including Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, and Reggie Brown. They discuss the impact of roller skating on their own lives and how it has influenced their music and careers.

The soundtrack of United Skates is a mix of hip-hop and funk music, featuring artists such as Lakeside, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Afrika Bambaataa. The music is used effectively in the film to set the tone of each scene and to keep the audience engaged with the on-screen action.

Overall, United Skates is a captivating and emotional documentary that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of African-American culture. It showcases how a simple activity like roller skating can bring together a community and create a unique sense of belonging. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and how much work is still needed to protect the institutions that are vital to our communities.

United Skates is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 81.