In anticipation of Slow Impact 2025 in Tempe, Arizona I’ve been preparing some excerpts from my book to read as a kind of “sneak peak.” If you’re at the event, skater / author Kyle Beachy has arranged an evening called “Anything At All” at 8pm on February 22nd at Cowtown skateshop. It should be a great line-up of presenters. Plus, my friend, graphic novelist Sophie Yanow has her work on exhibit there with an opening the same night along with Adam Abada.
The festival line-up looks amazing, and I’m grateful to be part of a heavy panel on Journalism in Skateboarding that morning hosted by Max Harrison-Caldwell alongside Templeton Elliott, Jessie Van Roechoudt, Michael Munzenrider, William Staley, Joa Fields (aka ‘Gifted Hater’), and Cole Nowicki!!
A special shout out to Cole since he invited me to contribute to his Simple Magic portal, which is full of essays, rankings, video clips, and all things skateboarding related / unrelated, including poems and my ode to Worble as a kind of Valentine’s Day special (which might include a wee rant about Jackass and RDS! Haha. Couldn’t resist).
Finally, a big congratulations to Ted Barrow who launched an epic exhibit last night called “Skateboarding San Francisco: Concrete, Community, Continuity” at the San Francisco Public Library about the 50+ year history and legacy of skateboarders in SF. I was happy to contribute a backstory on some of the leading ladies over the years who impacted the scene. If you’re in SF, definitely check it out. The exhibit runs until July 6, 2025, in the Jewett Gallery (Lower Level / Main Library).
I have a special place in my heart for this library, since I did my Library Science degree practicum at SFPL in 2008 and even stayed with Jessie Van! Time flies…
Happy Valentines Day everyone and Black History month!
Share the love and be like Stephanie Person (the first Black Pro female skateboarder)… STOP RACISM! Take some time to learn about individuals like Cheryl Thornton, Mary Mills, Shaunda Shane, Crystal Solomon, with more features in the works.
Womxn Skateboard History 