The Session Mag - A Roller Skating Culture Magazine

DIGITAL VERSION AVAILABLE AT THESESSIONSKATE.COM

THE

NOISSES

JOSHUA WARD ALEX SELLERS MOOK WINCE LATOYA MCNABB CARDELL THOMAS BRIA NICHELLE ISAIAH FREEMAN KI'TANA EVERETT SK8LUV33 SLIM TURNER

PHOTO BY UPON REFLECTIONS FEATURING JOSHUA WARD

SES SION SK8

THE

EVERY 3RD SATURDAY @SKATE ALONG USA LILBURN GA 11:30P-2:30A

CONTENTS INSIDE THIS ISSUE

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

FEATURES MOOK WINCE ISAIAH FREEMAN BRIA NICHELLE

J RENARD LINKTR.EE/JRENARD77

CHRISTIAN TURNER SK8LUV33 JOSHUA WARD KI'TANA EVERETT CARDELL THOMAS ALEX SELLERS LATOYA MCNABB

COPY EDITOR MIRIAM WATKINS

THE SKATE WORLD IS FULL OF THESE AMAZING SKATERS THAT HAVE SO MUCH BAD ENERGY… I’LL TAKE LESS TALENT & SKILL BUT GOOD ENERGY EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK!!

J. RENARD EXECUTIVE EDITOR THE SESSION MAG

Cardell Thomas INTERVIEW BY J. RENARD

PHOTOS BY LOUV ELEMEN

Thanks for taking time out to interview with us. You are a well-known roller skater in the Atlanta area and beyond. Can you tell us how you got into skating?

Cardell: I’ve roller skated all my life, but I officially got into the whole rink scene around 2005. I was skipping school with some friends at the rink and I saw a group of roller skaters practicing cool moves and concepts. From there it was a wrap. I found myself buying some crappy stock Chicago skates and rolling twice a week.

aired on Direct TV. I got there by being in the top 6 in the world at a fighting game called Dead or Alive. I was considered one of the best Chun Li players in the world for Street Fighter 4. After finishing school and competitive gaming, I was under contract with Capcom for music production. This led to me singing a few introductions for their events and landing a small artist deal. I’m still on that artist deal now. I’ve also recently taken an interest in competitive handgun shooting.

Why hasn’t the JB roller skating style grown more in

You are one of the skaters in the classic youtube video called “Pure JB Skating.” How does a skater outside of Chicago end up being a featured skater in one of the most classic JB skate videos online?

Atlanta over the last decade?

For JB to grow in Atlanta, it would first take unity among the JB skaters here to unite as a whole. Then, it requires

Awwww MAN! You could probably write a Oscar winning movie about the journey leading up to that video, but in short, I was skating with those two for a few years. DJ and I were roommates and partners in music production.

Syd had a big video art project for one of her classes at Spelman and the rest is history.

proper direction from the veterans in the community.

Can you talk about your life outside roller skating?

What are some of your other hobbies?

FIND A PROPER INSTRUCTOR WHO IS EITHER FROM CHICAGO OR WHO HAS LEARNED EXTENSIVELY FROM A GOOD CHICAGO SKATER, WHICH IS VERY HARD TO FIND. ALSO, FIND SOME GOOD MUSIC AT THE RIGHT TEMPO AND A GOOD SET OF NOISE BLOCKER EARBUDS.

I’ve been an instrumentalist and musician since the age of 10. I play about 5 instruments, one being the alto sax, which I played for Florida A&M. I’m a former competitive video game player. I was actually on a TV show that

What advice do you have for up and coming skaters interested in learning the JB style of skating?

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Issue 12

MUSINGS

Fashion Interview with stylist, Madi Ross

Music The Midsummer Music

Festival Experience

Events Craftsman Living

Newtown Store Launch

Travel Backpacking in Incheon

04 Editor's Note 07 Fan Mails 10 Radar 18 Summer Must Haves 24 Style Trends

Issue 12

MUSINGS

Fashion Interview with stylist, Madi Ross

Music The Midsummer Music

Festival Experience

Events Craftsman Living

Newtown Store Launch

Travel Backpacking in Incheon

04 Editor's Note 07 Fan Mails 10 Radar 18 Summer Must Haves 24 Style Trends

IF YOU’RE

GOING TO

LEARN A STYLE

GO STRAIGHT

TO THE

SOURCE. VISIT

THE CITIES

WHERE THESE

STYLES COME

FROM. IT WAS

THE BEST

THING I DID

INTERVIEW BY J. RENARD

FOR MYSELF.

I THINK IT’S

BRIA NICHELLE

IMPORTANT TO

For those who are unfamiliar with you, can you tell us how you got into roller skating?

Bria: I started roller skating before I could even remember. My mother would take my brother, sister and I skating at Busters in Riverdale, Ga almost every day.

We went skating so much we became familiar with the manager, employees, DJs and people who skated as much as we did. We built bonds and started learning Atlanta’s style. Eventually we branched out to different rinks in Atlanta and started learning more from different people.

Who are some skaters that have inspired you?

Bria: A lot of skaters who have influenced me are from different styles.

In the past, I was influenced by were Brandon Perea and Diamond Walker.

They are jam skaters. When I learned how to skate house later on, I was influenced by Mook, Stanley, Killa Cam, and B Young. The most influential JB skaters have been Twin, Bobby West, Kidd, JR, Collie, Jay, and Polo. The most influential snapper is Keenan, even though I'm not a snapper.

What advice would you offer to new skaters?

Bria recently graduated from UWG with a BS in Biology and plans to attend Medical School

LEARN THE

BASICS FROM

THE SOURCE

WHENEVER

YOU’RE

LEARNING A

STYLE.

ISAIAH Interview

by J Renard

FREEMAN

Thank you for taking time out to interview with us. You are a very popular roller skater in the Atlanta area. For those who are unfamiliar with you, can you tell us how you got into roller skating?

Isaiah: Thank you for having me and it’s my pleasure to be featured. My love of skating started as a child when my parents introduced me to it. But I didn’t skate often and I would go years without ever touching the wood in a roller rink.

Many people may not know this but you are a gifted musician.

Can you tell us a little bit about your life as a musician?

Isaiah: Man you are killing me with the compliments. (lol) Well my life as a musician started similar to skating. My dad is a musician and as you can imagine, music was an intricate piece of our home. Unlike skating, I stuck with music and held her close to my heart. As a result, I started singing publicly at 4 years old and continued singing throughout college where I studied vocal performance at Central State University in Wilberforce, OH. I am a classically trained Baritone, as well as a gospel music artist and published songwriter. Go check out my music wherever you get your music online.

Who are some roller skaters that have influenced you the most?

Isaiah: Well this is a tricky question because I take influence from so many people but I will attempt to concisely answer your question. I have to start with my mentor Willie “TJ” Tarver, all of the members of my skate crew JB Committee; Larry Brodanex, and Terry “Lil Twin” Giggs.

What drew you towards the JB style of skating?

Wow… man… this was years in the making. Back in 2009-10 my brothers bought some skates and started skating again. As a result, my interest in skating was reignited. I started looking on youtube for skate videos and came across a few JB videos and instantly fell in love with both the swag and the smoothness.

When I moved to Atlanta in 2012, I bought my own skates and started skating at Sparkles in Smyrna. That's when I saw JB in person for the first time and at that moment I fell in love and I knew that I had to learn this style.

What advice do you have for new skaters?

Isaiah studied vocal performance at Central State University in Wilberforce, OH. He is a classically trained Baritone, as well as a gospel music artist and published songwriter.

HAVE FUN AND NEVER FORGET THAT SKATING IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN. WHEN IT STOPS BEING FUN THAT'S WHEN THE PROBLEMS BEGIN. ALSO, IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN A SPECIFIC STYLE, FIND SOMEONE WHO DOES THAT STYLE WELL AND ASK THEM TO HELP YOU. PLEASE DON’T CHOOSE TO FIGURE IT OUT ON YOUR OWN IF YOU HAVE THE OPTION TO BE TAUGHT BY SOMEONE EXPERIENCED.

SK8LUV33 Interview by J Renard

For those who are unfamiliar with you, can you tell us how you got into roller skating?

SL: My mom and dad are skaters. They met at the skating rink so skating is natural to me. I took it serious after going through a divorce. It became therapy for me and still is.

What made you start your popular Instagram account Sk8luv33 and start posting skate videos?

SL: At the time, I was a beginner skater and I wanted to track my progress so I asked a few skaters to record me, and in return I would record them as well. JIVE Biscuit 2020 is when I decided to record everyone as if I was a paid videographer.

You recently posted part 1 of a skate documentary on YouTube. Can you tell us about this project?

SL: For this project, It’s going to highlight the JB culture as a whole. From the music to the style of skating.

You recently traveled to Chicago and posted a lot of cool skate footage. Where are some other skate cities you intend to visit and film?

SL: At some point, I intend to travel to do skate videos being that I love seeing different styles of skating and traveling. I want to visit California, Texas and other popular skate cities.

What advice would you offer to new skaters that would like to create a large following for their skate business or product?

SL: Whatever you do in life, be consistent and the people or target audience will eventually notice you. This is a principle in life, it applies to everything.

ATL JB

TH ES ESS ION

87

Peachtree 87 THE SESSION

MCNABB

LATOYA INTERVIEW BY J. RENARD Thank you for taking time out to interview with us. For

PHOTOS BY DENNIS JONES

those who maybe unfamiliar with your journey, can you tell us how you got involved in skating?

LaToya: I started skating in rollerblades outside when I was 7 years old. I started skating in rinks when I was 9 or 10 years old. I instantly fell in love with the craft and it became one of my favorite hobbies. Many of my family members also skated, so I picked it up from them. I skated in a couple of rinks like Sparkles in Riverdale (before it closed) and Golden Glide. But once Cascade opened in 2000, I skated there mainly because it was only a few minutes from my house. It was amazing to see the popularity of the skate culture grow during those early years. When I was a teenager, I use to sneak into the adult sessions because I knew so many skaters, security guards, and managers. They watched me grow up at Cascade and knew I wouldn't start any trouble. I think that's when I started to fall in love with skating. I would see the Atlanta skate crews doing their thing on floor, doing all of these crazy tricks with so much swag. It made me want to learn more and get better so I could join in.

What has contributed most to your roller skating skills?

LaToya: My determination to get better and not being afraid to mess up or fall. We all start as beginners in peanut butters (lol).

The only way to get better is by not being afraid to look awkward while learning and repetition. You have to keep trying until you reach your goal and become the skater you want to be.

Where are your favorite skate sessions in Atlanta and beyond?

LaToya: My favorite sessions to skate in Atlanta are Cascade Wednesday nights, Golden Glide Friday nights, and Sparkles or Cascade Sunday nights. I don't really have a favorite rink, but I do like certain DJ's. My favorite places to skate outside of Atlanta are Kates in Charlotte. I love the rinks with the large fans. Also, Chicago because I have grown to love the JB style of skating. Although, I still have a lot more rinks to visit since I didn't start traveling to skate until after I finished school.

What is the most interesting thing about you outside of skating?

LaToya: The most interesting thing about me is I am a closet nerd. By now, almost everyone that knows me in the skate world, knows that I'm a doctor, veterinarian to be exact. But they don't know that I am continuously pushing myself to become more educated in different subjects to better my future as well as my family and peers. I try to advocate for the black community because I know we have so much potential but some of us just haven't realized it yet. We are stronger together and we all should be helping one another succeed.

What advice to you have for skaters trying to be great like you?

THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE TO NEW SKATERS IS TO HAVE FUN. DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN THE DRAMA OR ATTENTION SEEKING. BE YOURSELF, DON'T TRY TO BE ANYONE ELSE. SKATING IS A GREAT SOURCE OF STRESS RELIEF AND EXERCISE. AND WHEN DONE PROPERLY, IT CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFE.

J. RENARD

DOWNLOAD OVER 20 SKATE TRACKS BY J. RENARD FOR FREE AT

S K 8 N I G H T M U S I C . C O M

Thank you for participating in this project. You are known for being very proficient in several styles of roller skating. This is uncommon.

Interview by J Renard

What’s the story behind your desire and journey with learning these particular styles?

Mook: Honestly I started out with ATL Style then I moved on to an army boot, thinking I was a JB skater, watching videos of Ricky and Pooh (popular Chicago skaters). They were my idols but then I met Bill Butler and switched over to Jammin/NY Style and left JB/Chicago Style. I wanted to go back and finish learning JB/Chicago style for real. In 2019, I started working with Cardell in Atlanta and talking to Collie in Chicago a lot about the style. It’s definitely a challenge but an awesome one to show everyone that you can do whatever you want when you put your mind to it.

Who are some of your favorite roller skaters?

Mook: My brother Vegaz Breeze, Cory Young, Brandon Young, Ricky, Pooh, Kid, D-Breeze, Polo, Bobby and Collie.

Where do you enjoy skating?

I enjoy skating at Sparkles in Smyrna, GA. I love the floor there. I enjoy skating out of town at Branch Brook in New Jersey. I also enjoy skating at Glenwood and Lynnwood in the Chicago area.

What advice would you offer to new skaters?

Outside of roller skating Mook is a CDL driver for a carrier company

I WOULD TELL A NEW SKATER TO HAVE FUN WITH SKATING. ALSO, ALWAYS REMEMBER TO RESPECT THE STYLE YOU ARE LEARNING AND THE CULTURE AND PEOPLE THAT WERE HERE BEFORE YOU. LASTLY, BE HUMBLE. HUMILITY WILL TAKE YOU FAR BECAUSE YOUR ATTITUDE REFLECTS WHO YOU ARE IN THE RINK.

THE SESSION MAG

ALEX SELLERS INTERVIEW BY J. RENARD

You are one of the pioneers behind the skate movement in Huntsville, AL. Can you talk about your skate background and how you arrived in the Huntsville skate scene?

Alex: I received my first taste of the adult skate scene in DC. I had some pretty amazing skate mentors up in DC, who taught me that discipline and hard work on the wood pays off. If you want to be a good skater, you have to skate A LOT. I accepted a job change and moved to Huntsville in 2008 from DC. I came to HSV with the same mentality and almost immediately met some like minded individuals here, who also loved to skate and wanted to be better. So we linked up and started skating together. That’s when we started my group Talented Tenth, from WEB Dubois’s philosophy that it only takes 1 out of 10 “exceptional men” to lead and effect positive change. Our founding principle is that as black men we have a responsibility to handle our business first, then if time permits, we skate. All the brothers in TT hold their own in the skate world and in the real world. Presently, I am an engineering manager and my coworkers are still surprised when I mention that I travel the country to roller skate. So after a couple of years of TT rolling together, we ran into a lot of people who not only enjoyed watching us skate but also wanted to know how they could help promote skating in Huntsville. Based on that feedback, we created the "We Skate Huntsville" movement and the "Huntsville Skate Nation." We left it open ended in case other cities also wanted to identify with the skate nation movement in the future i.e. Atlanta Skate Nation etc…

PHOTOS BY DENNIS JONES

skate teacher was one of the people who also learned JB from Pooh. His position was in the front. His name was Ricky and he spent a lot of time teaching me the fundamentals of the JB style, which was challenging because I was also learning to skate at the same time. Ricky was my guy until I left DC and then I linked up with other JB skaters who were in range: DJ of the Rich Boyz (when he moved to Atlanta for a bit), Paul of JB Committee (from Chicago) and DK who worked with me when I was taking frequent trips to skate at Rich City in Chicago on Friday nights. Lastly, another JB Elite member named Don moved to Nashville and I was able to learn a lot from him.

What advice do you have for up and coming skaters that are frustrated by the process of trying to become great?

Currently you will see us at local parades, food truck events, local warehouses, downtown Huntsville, etc.

We will promote the benefits of skating everywhere we can skate. It’s a lifetime passion, once a skater, always a skater.

It’s a sport that you can enjoy at all stages of your life.

You are known for your proficiency with JB style skating. Where did you learn?

I appreciate that statement; however I will state that I consider myself a skater who knows some JB. But it’s really hard for me to detach the style from the city of Chicago, of which I am not a native.

On the other hand, I certainly have eaten a lot of JB pills and was trained by some of the best in the game. When I moved to DC, a very accomplished JB skater by the name of Pooh (JB Elite) lived there and he had a cult like following. I remember my first time seeing him at the rink; he had a train around 8 skaters deep following his every move. It was quite intimidating, but eventually I just got in the back of the line and tried to keep up with what he was teaching and went home to practice, practice, practice. My first real

Stop trying to be great, just have fun. I have been on the adult skate scene for 12 years and have seen hundreds of amazing skaters. I can count the ones who are being paid to skate on a few fingers. That tells me this is a hobby for 99% of the people who skate. Enjoy your hobby. Of course put in the work, find people who skate better than you and follow them around. Consistency is huge, if people see you working to get something time and time again, week after week, eventually they will help you.

Issue 12

MUSINGS

Fashion Interview with stylist, Madi Ross

Music The Midsummer Music

Festival Experience

Events Craftsman Living

Newtown Store Launch

Travel Backpacking in Incheon

04 Editor's Note 07 Fan Mails 10 Radar 18 Summer Must Haves 24 Style Trends

Issue 12

MUSINGS

Fashion Interview with stylist, Madi Ross

Music The Midsummer Music

Festival Experience

Events Craftsman Living

Newtown Store Launch

Travel Backpacking in Incheon

04 Editor's Note 07 Fan Mails 10 Radar 18 Summer Must Haves 24 Style Trends

PHOTOS BY UPSON REFLECTIONS

AN INTERVIEW WITH JOSHUA WARD

by J Renard T h a n k y o u f o r t a k i n g t i m e o u t to in t e rv ie w w it h u s . W e a re h o n o r e d t o f e a t u r e y o u . F o r t h o s e w h o m a y b e u n f a m i l ia r w i t h y o u r j o u r n e y , c a n y o u t e l l u s a b o u t y o u r s k a t in g background?

J o s h u a : I s t a r t e d s k a t i n g a b o u t 1 0 y e a rs a g o w h e n I li v e d i n D e n v e r C O . I w a s i n v i t e d b y a f e w f ri e n d s to try i t o u t. A t f i rs t I w a s h e s i t a n t , b u t I g r e w m o r e a n d m o re c o m f o rta b le w i th i t a s I c o n t i n u e d t o d o i t . S k a t i n g w a s a n a c ti v i ty w h e re I re a lly f e l t a c o n n e c t i o n . I t w a s t h e r a p e u ti c a n d c h a lle n g i n g . T h i s a l l o w e d m e t o g i v e u n w a v e r i n g a tte n ti o n to th i s a rt.

W h e r e a r e s o m e o f y o u r f a v o r i t e rin k s t o s k a t e a t in A t l a n t a and beyond?

J o s h u a : I n A t l a n t a , I m a i n l y s k a t e a t G o ld e n G li d e , C a s c a d e , S p a r k l e s , S t o n e M o u n t a i n S k a t e s , S k a te T o w n e , a n d S k a te - A L o n g . T h e s e a r e g o o d r i n k s w i t h g o o d f lo o rs a n d v a ri o u s s e s s i o n s . I m a i n l y g o t o t h e A d u lt n i g h ts a t th e s e ri n k s . W h e n I ’ m b a c k h o m e i n L A , I g o t o W o r ld O n W h e e ls o r e v e n V e n i c e B e a c h . W h e n I ’ m i n D e n v e r, I g o to S k a te C i ty i n Meadow Wood.

THE SESSION

When I’m in Jersey, I go back to Millennium Skate World in Camden. All of these rinks were my home rinks at one point in time and they all contributed to my style and vibe today. I love all of these rinks..

What's the most interesting thing about you outside of skating?

Joshua: Outside of skating, I stay pretty busy at work. I work at a Collision Center as an Inspector. I perform all of the quality control inspections for a shop that produces 1.25 million dollars in repairs a month. I am also preparing to go back to school to finish out my degree to become a professional pilot. This has been one of my aspirations since I was a kid and I gotta make it happen.

What words of encouragement do you have for up and coming skaters trying to be great like you?

TO ANYONE JUST STARTING OUT DON’T GET DISCOURAGED, JUST KEEP GOING. SOMEONE WILL RECOGNIZE YOU AND WILL TAKE YOU UNDER THEIR WING. THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED TO ME AND I’M SURE EVERY SKATER HAS A SIMILAR STORY

THE SESSION MAG

CHRISTIAN SLIM TURNER INTERVIEW BY J. RENARD

Thank you for taking time out to interview with us.

For those who are unfamiliar with you, can you tell us how you got into roller skating?

Slim: So my original skate home is All American in Stone Mountain, GA (now known as Stone Mountain Skates). I started as a kid in middle school and I’d beg my mom to take me every Friday because I had fell in love with it as a child. After falling on hard times and having to move away, I had to stop because their weren’t any rinks local at the time. I bounced back during the pandemic after graduating from school and I’ve been rolling ever since.

Who are some roller skaters that have influenced you the most?

Slim: I could go on for days about my favorite skaters, but the majority of my favorites come from the JB style and all generations: Joshua Ward, Cardell, Twin, Ki’Tana, Mook Wince, Judi, Phyllis Brown, Carson, Malik Thomas and Bria Nichelle just to name a few.

What other cities have you traveled to for roller skating?

Slim: Traveling to The JB Session in Atlanta from Mobile, AL was a huge shift in skate scenes. The music at The JB Session was different but the most noticeable difference was the talent. Every time you look over your shoulder you'd see some of the smoothest moves.

As far as traveling to skate in other cities, I've been to Orlando FL, Mobile AL, Pensacola FL, Houston TX, and Jackson MS. They all had noticeable differences as far as the vibe and music that the DJs played.

What advice do you have for new skaters?

Outside of skating Slim is a professional Welder for the US Navy

MY ADVICE IS NEVER BE AFRAID TO FALL, TOUCHING THE FLOOR IS SOMETHING THAT COMES WITH SKATING AND IT ONLY MAKES YOU BETTER THAN WHAT YOU WERE WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED.

KiTana

INTERVIEW BY J. RENARD

Thanks for taking time out to interview with us. For those who maybe unfamiliar with your journey, can you tell us how you got into skating?

What is the most interested thing about you outside of roller skating?

KT: I’ve been a martial artist for 20 years and currently hold

KT: I first put skates on when I was really young. My family is

the rank of 4th Degree Black belt. I actually moved to

from Altgeld Gardens in Chicago so when we moved to

Atlanta because I accepted a full fighting sponsorship that

Minnesota, they kept that Sunday skate tradition alive when

came with the opportunity to teach and operate a Dojo.

I was really young. My mom would take me every now as a kid until I started working at a rink in high school. Shortly after, I moved back to Chicago for college but didn’t really

What advice do you have for up and coming skaters trying to progress their skating?

skate much until I moved to Atlanta for a career opportunity and found Stone Mountain Skates.

KT: Learn the basics before anything else, no matter what style you choose. Having a good foundation will make

What has contributed most to the development of your skating abilities?

everything else easier. I would also suggest you have set days to skate because this doesn’t happen overnight. If you go to a rink, try to go to sessions that aren’t as packed! It’ll

KT: Cardell has broken down almost everything I’ve learned

leave more room for you to get comfortable, try new things,

in JB. He’s a great teacher. Being a martial arts instructor,

and ask whoever you chose to help you get better.

the instructions and the approach is key. I feel like being a martial artist for such a long time has helped me on skates as far as my balance, reaction time and weight transfer too.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS JONES

NI KKI GARLAND Thank you for taking time out to interview with us. For those who maybe unfamiliar with your journey can you tell us how you got into skating?

Nikki: Five years ago, I attended a few family day skate sessions, and fell in love with skating immediately. I didn't know anything about skating besides rolling forwards and backwards, but I loved the energy. I was in awe when I saw adults practicing so many different moves and styles. I was determined to learn everything. Fortunately for me, the skaters were friendly and quick to take me under their wing.

They told me I learn quickly. A few months later, I was told about adult skate sessions, then traveling and skate parties, and the rest is history.

What has contributed most to the development of your skating abilities?

Nikki: Passion for skating, having fun with it, being determined to get the rhythm of certain steps or moves right while rolling, and staying focused has contributed the most to the development of my skating abilities.

Can you talk about any skate groups you have skated with?

Nikki: I am a member of ATL Squad. My brothers of ATL Squad--Mikeal Collins (Mr. Man), Shawnra Dillard, DJ Dex, Antwan Warner--have taught me to be more aggressive about skating, to not just skate but perform with style and have a good time. I also enjoy skating with The Hearts--Skate Fantacee, Anointed Yvonne , and Trina Sutton. The Hearts was a skate sisterhood, where we had fun rolling together, we kept it fun, and sexy with class lol. Both groups taught me to keep skating about skating, and that being family, not just skaters, provides a bigger experience.

What is the most interesting thing about you outside of roller skating?

Nikki: I am an educator, philosopher, who holds a doctoral degree. I am a business owner and author, currently working on developing a platform to fight against disproportionality within the educational and the judicial systems. So, in the professional world, I am Dr. Garland, looking to make an impactful contribution to the development of the African-American community, and other communities alike.

What advice do you have for up and coming skaters trying to progress their skating?

THE MORE YOU PRACTICE, THE QUICKER YOUR BODY WILL FIGURE OUT THE RHYTHM TO DOING CERTAIN MOVES. EVERYONE MOVES DIFFERENTLY AND HAS THEIR OWN STYLE; ONCE SOMEONE TEACHES YOU A MOVE, IT IS OK TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN, DO IT THE WAY YOU FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE.

ITS GOT TO BE FUNKY! The Session

NO DRAMA THE SESSION

T H E

S E S S I O N

8

Yeaahh..

JUST

GIMME

SOME

MORE

15 short stories told by author, J. Renard that provide a glimpse into his life in Chicago as he navigates his youth in Chicago's intense gang culture.

THAT NEUTRON 4.7/5

PHOTO BY ERIK REID

SKATE THE SESSION

20

BACKWARDS

THE SESSION A032-P0311

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SKATE ALONG USA LILBURN GA