Family Bonding in the Black Community is on a Roll, Thanks to South Central Skate Club
April 14, 2022
By Betti Halsell
Assistant Managing Editor
South Central Blade Club was designed with the community in mind, creating a space where family and friends can bond and make memories. Yoshawn Smith used skating to create a safe environment for all Angelenos from different walks of life, to enjoy a fun weekend activity in their community.
“Having a program like the one we offer is very important to us and the community,” Smith explained the power of sports; they can build confidence that becomes the foundation to a happier life.
“Not only does it give kids and adults a new activity to do--sports such as rollerblading, roller-skating, skateboarding, scootering, cycling, and BMX can translate over into other activities or sports,” Smith said.
He dissected the significance in having family-oriented programs, by stating, “Having more family-oriented programs makes for a happier community as well. Skating brings people of all walks of life together.”
The classes are free, Smith shared the reason for that is to genuinely help the community.
“Offering the classes for free helps with the cost and commitment parents and individuals have to make when purchasing skates, spending the money can discourage people from enjoying the sport. Free lessons in any sport can go a long way, whether it's long term or not,” Smith said.
The idea of the South Central Skate Club was constructed to get the community moving, combatting the forces of a quarantine lifestyle. Smith stated, “South Central Blade Club started as a way to get the community active again during the start of the pandemic in 2020.”
Smith elaborated on the spark of innovation, “Seeing the lack of outdoor activities provided through L.A. County parks, gave us an idea to do something different that isn't offered within our community.”
At the South-Central Space Club, it's all about creating an energy of unity around family.
Smith shared his passion for skating fueled his strategy in creating the South Central Blade Club.
He considered his memories of not having access to a skating rink. Smith stated, “The story of how I got into skating is a complicated one,” he continued, “Not having the means to go to a skating rink all of the time, figuring out what a skatepark was, and trying to find these skates that were meant for grinding.”
To participate or volunteer in the South Central Blade Club, one can reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Additionally, one can connect through Instagram @south.central.blade.club. To donate, one can contribute to their PayPal account @SCBladeClub and Smith stated that “donations are used for snacks and water for the classes.”
South Central Blade Club meets on Saturdays, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Col. Leon Washington Park, between Firestone boulevard and 92nd street.
They offer skates and protective gear to those who wish to learn in their own space, after class.
Skatepark sessions during the week will begin soon, looking to have its first meeting in the Wilson Park in Compton, California, every Thursday evening.
The founder of the South Central Skate Club shared the physical impact he sees on Saturdays during their gatherings. “We've seen many people get into the sport or get back into the sport. Parents say, ‘I used to skate a long time ago,’ While kids look and want to learn how to skate,” Smith Said.
He continued, “The community around the area appreciate seeing the classes happen and enjoy having us around--doing something positive for everyone. It's good to see people being able to enjoy more than just your traditional sports and get into something new for them or return to it.”