Skate Palace Online is Providing an Avenue for Skaters to Skate Together Virtually
Roller skating has played a huge role in the Black community, yet many people don’t know the community still exist. Two years ago, the documentary “United Skates” was released that shows and explains what roller skating means in the Black community. Well, Milwaukee has that same culture here.
The skate community in Milwaukee is ever growing and it’s nothing new to the city. Butler Skateland is where most skaters in Milwaukee go, but in the early 80s it was The Palace. The Palace was around for four to five years after closing down its doors. In honor of the good times spent there and because of the crisis, Skate Palace Jamz Online was created.
Admission ticket to The Palace. (Picture provided by Mosh Wah)
DJ Mosh Wah and Terrance Tillman have created a space for skaters to come together virtually.
“It’s to keep the music going in Milwaukee,” said Tillman.
According to Wah, the theme of the sessions is all about good music, which includes Funk, Jazz and old school R&B. Michael Jackson and Prince are definitely on their list.
So far, they’ve hosted four online skate events with each one having at least 1,000 viewers.
As 70s babies, both men spent their time skating outside and now they’re providing those same nostalgic feelings to the Milwaukee community, and whoever else chooses to watch.
Through Skate Palace Online sessions, Wah and Tillman are proving that great house music is still being played.
“People can just tune in and jam in their room with their family,” Wah said.
With the state of Wisconsin opening back up, whether people want it to or not, businesses are beginning to open their doors again. Butler is one of those businesses. According to a Facebook post, Butler will reopen a week from now on May 27, 2020 at 25% capacity.
Tillman and Wah plan on hosting more skate parties, some online and some at public events. Until then, you can watch a Skate Palace Jamz Online session by clicking here.