Nakiya’h Longstreet, a 20-year-old West Englewood native, is about to launch Skate Englewood, a free skateboarding program for native children close to Lindblom Park. The initiative will present classes, gear, and mentorship to youth in an space the place skateboarding will not be generally seen.
Longstreet’s journey from a 6-year-old novice to a talented skateboarder embodies the self-discipline and dedication he hopes to instill within the subsequent technology. “I proved to myself that I may do no matter I put my thoughts to,” Longstreet stated, reflecting on his years of observe.
From city-wide skater to neighborhood mentor
Longstreet honed his expertise by traversing Chicago’s public transit system to succeed in skate parks throughout the town. His dedication led him to spots in West City, Logan Sq., and Uptown, typically spending hours commuting and practising.
“I might put aside at the very least three hours a day or 4 days per week for skating,” Longstreet defined. “By the point I used to be 15, I acquired higher at skating with fast vans, leaping stairs, grinding the rails and going quick.”
Now an artwork faculty pupil, Longstreet is bringing his experience again to West Englewood. He plans to supply free skateboards and security gear by way of funds raised through GoFundMe.
Constructing extra than simply skating expertise
Skate Englewood goals to be greater than only a skateboarding program. Longstreet envisions it as a platform for mentorship and private development.
“For most youngsters, it’s not widespread to see a Black individual or somebody that appears like them skateboarding within the space,” Longstreet stated. “I need to encourage them to do one thing that’s distinctive.”
This system will incorporate:
- Life classes alongside skateboarding fundamentals
- Artwork creation actions
- Therapeutic elements of skating
Longstreet has already begun constructing obstacles for a DIY skatepark, together with a wood “manny pad” for rookies to be taught tips.
Overcoming challenges and galvanizing others
At Grant Skate Park, the place Longstreet has been an everyday since 2015, his persistence is clear. Regardless of falls and accidents, he continues to push himself, demonstrating the resilience he hopes to domesticate in younger skaters.
“My primary purpose is to maintain difficult myself and continue to grow in areas of skating,” Longstreet stated. “For youths, I need to be the mentor I didn’t have rising up.”
Wanting forward
Whereas Skate Englewood continues to be in improvement, Longstreet is already lively locally. He taught free skate classes this summer time and can assist youth design skateboards on the upcoming Englewood Music Pageant.
Subsequent summer time, Longstreet will provide classes by way of the Chicago Park District’s Go Grind Chicago program. Within the meantime, he encourages households to method him for impromptu classes or boards in the event that they spot him skating close to Lindblom Park.
As Longstreet prepares to launch Skate Englewood, he’s not simply instructing tips—he’s paving the best way for a brand new technology of skaters in West Englewood, armed with expertise, confidence, and a contemporary perspective on their neighborhood.