Women in roller skating history are rare gems. From the research I’ve conducted thus far, women did not really make their marks in roller skating history until the 1900s. This is not to say that they didn’t have an impact; I just haven’t discovered any documents.
Women were skate champions, roller rink owners, and derby-ists (this is my new word). I am not certain as to how many women, if any, played organs at rinks, but I am certain that they were DJs during the disco era and beyond.
I am trying to schedule interviews with a roller rink owner, a derbyist, a roller skating champ and DJ during this month. Two of the four have been contacted and I’m trying to schedule meeting times now. If they are successful, they will be posted. If not, I’ll keep trying.
In the meantime, feel free to share your memories of women in roller skating history. It could have been your mom, sister, friend, teacher or your neighbor down the block. She could have been a genius on wheels or someone who cared enough to take you to the rink. Heck, you can share your own story even if you weren’t a good roller skater.
Two women in history I know for a fact roller skated: Dr. Margaret Burroughs and Dr. Maya Angelou. Dr. Burroughs was the founder of DuSable Museum of African American History and Dr. Angelou needs no introduction.
Who are the women you remember in roller skating history?
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