It’s the season of gratitude (when is it not?), and I am feeling the love. There’s been so many delightful zines and packages arrive in the mail, which is just the best. Cherries Wheels out of Texas (woman-owned skate company!!) even sent me a fresh set of wheels and loads of stickers. They ride like a dream.
I’ve been reading an adorable zine on the skateboard adventures of Rice and Peb Skatetime, the rad manifesto that is Smash the Skatriarchy zines by Amelia Bjesse-Puffin, the international initiatives described in Forever Playground magazines, and the creative genius that is Tails of… Skateboarding zines by John Freeborn.
I also decided to launch summer 2023 by saying “yes” to all opportunities and getting out of my comfort zone as a behind-the-scenes librarian historian nerd!
Back in June, I headed over to Washington, DC to join the skateboarding advisory board at the Smithsonian Museum… no kidding, it exists! I’ll admit to feeling a tad intimidated by my fellow board members being the legendary godfather of skate Jim Fitzpatrick (skateboarding since the 1950s!), Dr. Neftalie Williams (Yale Professor / Ambassador of Skateboarding with the US Department of State. Wow!), Dr. Theodore Barrow (art historian / skateboarding critic see Thrasher’s “This Old Ledge” series) and finally, artist / author Sean Cliver (Disposable Skateboard Bible, StrangeLove, etc.). What a crew!
It was this intensive week of hammering out the core elements of skateboarding history in context with society-at-large, in anticipation of a traveling exhibit to complement the Smithsonian’s book, Four Wheels and a Board by the incredible Betsy Gordon and Jane Rogers. Betsy and Jane were my beloved caretakers when I went down to the San Diego State University conference “Stoke Sessions” back in April, without access to a car or a clue or even cell phone data. They became my tour guides and tech support during my lecture!
Yes, that is Tony Hawk (keynote speaker!), but I’m equally if not more stoked to meet Navajo skateboarder / artist / matriarch – Di’Orr Greenwood whose work is featured on U.S. Postal stamps!! And, not to forget the incredible honour of having my hero Lynn Kramer and Dr. Becky Beal attend my session. Lynn even gave me a skateboard tour the following day!
The Smithsonian crew was super encouraging, and my banter and stories were welcomed. What a relief. Sean even gave me signed copies of his books, and I realized he was just a fellow nerd, even though his connections in the skate scene are pretty wild! The experience was great motivation to do an inventory of what I wanted out of life, and if it was time to fulfil some big dreams.
I decided to step away from my full-time management job at the local library and have taken on a new part-time gig at the British Columbia Library Association, which is remote. It’s giving me more balance and time to write… And, the craziest news! I’m still pinching myself, but there will be a book in Fall 2025 with ECW Press sharing the back-story of creating this very archive, along with skate history, cultural criticism and a hint of memoir!
Still processing this news and there’s loads of work to be done, but do want to thank some folks who inspired me to make a pitch:
Cole Nowicki! His brand new book called Right, Down + Circle: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater gave me the motivation to reach out to ECW Press.
Lyndsay Sung, author of Plant Cakes for her relentless enthusiasm, genius, and match-making skills. Seriously, buy this incredible vegan baking book! The cover alone will make you drool.
Local literary couple, Megan Cole of BC & Yukon Book Prizes and Jason Schreurs (Scream Therapy: a punk journey through mental health) for their wisdom and encouragement.
And, the academic prowess of Dr. Indigo Willing of Consent is Rad, and pro skater Anthony Pappalardo who just released their book full of fascinating interviews (including my bestie, Rhianon Bader of The Good Push), called Skateboarding, Power and Change, and were so kind to give WomxnSkateHistory some props!! Woohooo!
And, special thanks to Jen Sookfong Lee (author, teacher, editor) for giving me hope that the publishing world might care about this history. I’m your Superfan. So many more people to acknowledge, but there’ll be time for that when I actually get the book done and it comes to light. No pressure. Eek!
How cool is that? It was only after reading this blurb that I changed my “about” section and C.V. to call myself a founder, as it hadn’t occurred to me.
Thanks again, everyone.
Womxn Skateboard History 