In the vibrant city of Chicago's west side, there's a remarkable Black woman, Paris, whose passion for skating has transcended beyond a mere pastime. Paris is a dedicated skater who discovered her love for this exhilarating craft at the young age of 18. Her journey into the world of skating is a testament to how a simple twist of fate can change one's life forever.

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Paris's introduction to skating was unexpected as she says, “I started skating by mistake,” when she and a friend initially were headed out to go bowling for the night. After they arrived at the bowling alley, they realized a bowling league rented out all the lanes, and they had to find something else to do. With limited options available for teens in the city, Paris and her friend stumbled upon Rainbow Skating Rink on the north side of Chicago. Little did she know that this chance encounter would ignite a long-term passion within. Paris describes this moment at the skating rink as, “love at first sight.” After witnessing other skaters at the rink that night she immediately thought to herself, “I gotta learn how to do that!” She was so captivated by the freedom and movement that skating offered during that first session that she convinced her mother to invest $150 in her very first pair of roller skates. Paris has been skating ever since. Her very first introduction to skating set her on an exciting journey that has been ongoing for the past 20 years.

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Paris has been so drawn to skating because for her it has morphed into a community of people that really care about her, allowed her to grow, and served as a bridge to bring people together from all over the country. She is also intrigued by the ways skate culture has expanded into an international realm where people from various countries have visited the rinks in Chicago to learn this sophisticated style of skating. For Paris, the skating rinks have also been a place of solitude, refuge, and a “mental getaway” where she comes to escape from the demands of the outside world. She says, “All I need is the wood, the music, and my skates.”

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Although Paris accidentally stumbled upon skating, she is not surprised that she is still engaged in the sport 20 years later. She believes that her inner drive really pushed her to perfect her skate skills. Although it was challenging at first, she was dedicated to becoming one of the best on 8 wheels. Paris says, “Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean I’m not gonna do it. It just means I’m really gonna do it.” With that came critical lessons about skating that were also applicable to life, one in particular: “you have to fall in order to learn.” For Paris, falling isn't a setback; it's an essential part of learning to skate and growing as an individual. Paris’s talent on roller skates is undeniable. She has won numerous skate competitions accompanied with a collection of trophies that recognize her distinguished skill. She has also been featured on several tv shows like Empire and The Chi, to name a few, and several commercials.

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Paris is a prominent “crazy leg” skater, which is a solo practice requiring complex, synchronous leg movements and footwork on the front two wheels of roller skates throughout the transitions. These moves are often performed in the middle of the skating rink as a group of people form an outer circle, crowding around to observe and cheer on the person in the middle. “All eyes are on you,” Paris says. Within skate culture, crazy legging is a very “male-dominant” practice, and the presence for women was not as visible in the center. But that didn’t stop Paris, in fact it inspired her to bring more spotlight to women roller skaters.

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Paris is a trailblazer and an advocate for Black women in the skate community. Recognizing the need for supportive & safe spaces for Black women skaters, Paris created "Center of Attention," a group for Black women skaters of all levels. She named the group Center of Attention to encourage and empower Black women skaters to express themselves, embrace crazy legging, and being at the center of the room. One of the defining moments in Paris's journey was when she boldly shut down a skating circle during a national event to create an exclusive space for girls. Skaters from beginner levels to super advanced were able to get some shine, hype each other up, and celebrate one another. Paris's mission was clear: she believed in building camaraderie, confidence, and self-esteem among fellow Black women skaters. This act showcased her commitment to creating a welcoming environment where Black women and girls can thrive and hone their skills without inhibition.

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Notably, Paris's dedication to skating has transcended generations. She has introduced her 5-year-old daughter, Paris, to roller skating, and following in her mom’s footsteps, she has also displayed a natural talent for the sport. Most importantly, Paris is grateful that she can pass down this legacy on to her daughter in the hopes that she will create her own lane in the skate world someday.

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For Paris skating isn't just a hobby; it's an integral part of the Black community’s culture and identity. Paris acknowledges that although roller skating is becoming more mainstream across popular media platforms she says, “we’ve always been here.” She takes pride in being connected to the skate world that has deep roots in Black history. “I love it because it’s ours,” Paris exclaims as she smiles. The continued expansion of roller skating makes Paris proud, and she is excited to have a role in the growth of skate cultures in Chicago and beyond. Because Paris considers skating to be “ageless,” she says, “I think I’m going to be skating forever!” She is continuing her journey as a member of the Chicago-based skate crew, JB Elite.

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Paris’ presence is integral to the world of roller skating, as her engagement led her to create a community that uplifts Black women skaters. Through "Center of Attention" and an unwavering passion for skating, Paris continues to make a lasting impact on her community. Paris's story mirrors the power in allowing our passions, talents, and creativity to shape a positive difference in the world. Paris proves that in the world of skating, Black women and girls can also find a place to belong and flourish.