Florida A&M University has a strong culture of campus involvement.
There are numerous student clubs and organizations with something to suit the
interests of all the students enrolled at FAMU.
You can also start a club or an organization if you believe there should be one on
campus that matches the description.
LaDawnah Best, a second-year architecture student, did just that.
It all began with a straightforward documentary called “United Skates,” which gave her
the idea to create the Rejects Skate Free Club.
Best was moved by the documentary's message and wanted to develop something that
mirrored what she saw.
“I’ve been having dreams about creating a skate community, not necessarily a club but
a skate community, ever since I was inspired by a documentary called ‘United Skates.’
And that’s what inspired me to become a skater and want to build a skate community
because of the history behind it and the skate culture,” Best said.
According to HBO Max, the documentary “United Skates” is about a community that
fights to protect the African American roller-skating subculture in a racially charged
society.
The Rejects Skate Free Club promotes confidence, community and eternal freedom.
The club is taking on the reawakening of the United Skates movement.
This was a time when African Americans used skating rinks as a safe haven and, in
this case, you do not have to know how to skate in order to be a part of the club.
Truvon Hinton, a second-year music education-voice major and a recent transfer
student, is co-president of the club. He described who’s able to join the club.
“We welcome all members, and we want a place where people can be safe and
welcomed,” Hinton said.
Unlike your typical club, this one is open to the entire community of Tallahassee,
whether you are a student at FAMU, Florida State University, Tallahassee Community
College or even just a member of the community.
The Rejects Skate Free Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
at Hansel Tookes Student Recreation Center. They also meet up in small groups
throughout the week at Cascades Park.
To stay up to date with the latest information about the Rejects Skate Free Club you can
follow them on Instagram at famu.skateclub.