UNITED SKATES Closing Night Screening

UNITED SKATES grows out of a chorus of voices from across the United States. At a time when our country feels painfully divided, and fly-over states often feel overlooked, the story of a community crisscrossing our nation to celebrate what unites them, is more important now than ever.Few people are aware that roller rinks remain a segregated space throughout the country. “Black Nights,” now often referred to as “Adult Nights,” can be found in nearly every major city, each boasting a vibrant music and skate scene original to their region. Baltimore is home to Snapping, Detroit has Open House, J.B. skaters reign in Chicago, and in New York/New Jersey they skate in trains and trios. “Adult Nights” are credited as incubators of East Coast Hip Hop, and West Coast Rap. From Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa and Naughty by Nature in New York/New Jersey to Dr. Dre and Ice Cube in Los Angeles, roller rinks have long been a mecca for music and creativity. These nights are also safe spaces, where street rivalries are left at the door. And still, many white rink owners refuse to host these nights, even this community could keep them in business.With an average of three rinks closing a month, UNITED SKATES takes a deep dive into the vibrant and celebratory world of African American roller skating through the eyes of three central characters: Phelicia, Reggie, and Buddy. Each living in a different part of the country, and each fighting to preserve a tradition that reaches deep into their family history, this film documents a small but monumental piece of American culture at risk of disappearing entirely.