Rally for
the Empire
First we have to
say, the rally was a success, although we would have loved to
have had a larger crowd. The sun was out in full bloom even though
the weather reports said it would rain that day (not on our parade).
The speakers for roller skating were out in full force. City Counsel
Member Charles Barron was powerful with his speech about how "We
don't need another storage building; we need skating and the doors
of Empire open". The crowd was riled up and Assemblyman Hakeem
Jeffries took to the microphone with his poignant statement "If
these walls could talk..."you would hear the history of the
community-about how Jackie Robinson made history in the shadows
of Ebbets Field stadium that once stood across the street".
DJ Big Bob spoke
with heartfelt passion and concern as to where are our children
going to skate. All of his children were raised skating at Empire
and the Key. Big Bob made a suggestion that although the building
was sold to the warehouse company, "You can put the warehouse
above the skating rink, don't take the building down, put the
storage on top and let us skate". Many in the community had
tears in their eyes knowing the fate of this historical land mark.
The rally brought
out many skaters near and far to support what they truly love
and are passionate about - Roller Skating. Tanya Odums, founder
and executive director of HYPE (Helping Young People Excel, Inc.)
came out with the very young and teen members of the organization.
The group voiced how much it would hurt them not having roller
skating on weekends any longer. One member Sophia Dawson, 19 stated
"It is not just skating we are losing.. it is my family",
she said with tears in her eyes. Spry, the program director of
HYPE expressed discontent with the new owners. "How dare
they come to our community and decide what we need without consulting
us? Skaters from The Roxy stood ground with the support and hope,
that skating will stay put in NYC as long as we skaters continue
to support each other.
Lezly Ziering, Chairman
of CPDSA (CENTRAL PARK DANCE SKATERS ASSOCIATION) also a skate
instructor and choreographer, spoke of the joy he had skating
at Empire more than 40 years ago and the sadness this city will
face when Empire, the last of it's kind, closes it's doors on
April 23, 2007.
Project Empire and
it's members spoke to the people about how skating kept so many
of our children off the street corners and from selling drugs.
One member stated how skating was not just for fun, but it provided
physical therapy also.
After the rally
the skaters took to the streets with music and skate dancing like
one big party. The sound system was provided by DJ Paul (Thank
You So Very Much) who has been playing on Monday nights at Empire
for Gospel night where he played some very moving songs. Again
we thank everyone for coming out and supporting the cause of roller
skating.
P.S. Thank you to
all those who took the time to make those wonderful posters and
signs.
Thank You
Project Empire
Gwen White
Michele McPhun
Kevon Johnson
Sam Menscole
Adrienne Johnson
Sabrina Lewis
Linwood
Neverson Speaks on his Life and Times at the Empire with 8 Ball
and the Blue Guerillas
Hello Roller Rockers
First I want to thank you all for allowing me to share such an
honorable sport with you all, its a blessing for me. I've been
skating
for 30 plus years. I'm 42 so that's most of my life. For me, Empire
RollerDrome is a keystone in my family. Preston Neverson is one
of the pioneers in the disco skating world. He was instrumental
in the development of the musical platform at Empire. He knew
Bill Butler well and speaks highly of him all the time.
Another uncle named
Tom Neverson started a skate club out of Empire called 8 Ball
and The Blue Guerrillas. The club was set up to empower inner
city youth to make
something good out of their lives. Drugs were not allowed and
you had to have something that you could offer to the club to
strengthen it and build character. I have cousins that have worked
at empire as floor
guards and there are also Blue Guerrillas that have DJed at Empire.
I can count over ten family members alone that have contributed
to this thing that we love. Blue Guerrillas club members have
gone on to become air force rangers, recording artists, ministers,
travel agents, nurses, teachers, and the list goes on.
These are some
of the many Blue Guerrillas that helped to set in motion this
thing we love: Dj Chuck,Tony Tone, Lorezo 'Bo'Perry, Anna, Beverly,
Lisa, Micheal Dart, Benny' Duck'Brown, Barry'Caps'Dugan, Keith
Moore, Dennis Denson, Dana Denson, Darren Denson, MC Shan, Gwen,
Preston Neverson, Tom (8 Ball) Neverson, Linwood Neverson, Darryl
Neverson, Horace, Big Mike(rip), Horse, Kyle Lynch, Perry Smith,
Mike Murry, Sabrina Knight, Danet Denson, Denise Denson, Marilyn,
Millie, Charlie Ramirez (papi brother), Eric Alston, Lavette,
Belinda, Skate Party Steve, Houston'Huey' Hikson, Raymond, Leon,
Barry, Darryl Brown(rip), Alice Bryant, Herbert Jones, Herbert
Nelson, Cottrell Glover, Tony Streeter, Jerry Simms, Anthony Myers,
Enos Terry, Eric Hagans, Gamel Johnson, Raul Garnett, Henry Umstead,
Derrick Joseph, Tanya Myers, Charles Hardy, Jeff Hunt, Paul Richardson,
Lemuel (chopper) McLean, Kevin Garnes, Delia Taylor, Earl Wheeler,
Tony' Bootsie) Fern, Raymond Mann, Brain Eastman, Dywamn Cromartie,Luis
Snell, Toomie Brown, Gary Glover, Billy Fields, Tony Harrington,
Vivian, Rollin Monroe, Little Boy, Leon, Wezzy,Mike Johnson, Eric
Neverson, Curtis Neverson, Pat'the cat, SmoothB.
I'm working on a
documentary about Empire Rollerdrome and The Rise of The Blue
Guerrillas.This is my way of giving back to this thing that we
love. I'm looking to work with as many people as possible because
this is not just my story its our story. There are a few people
doing stories and photo essays and documentaries. This is a good
thing. The more the better. Knowledge is power lets share and
grow
strong. I'm looking for all old timers 40 and up that want to
tell their story about empire or the Blue Guerrillas.
Peace and Blessings
to all
Linwood Neverson
Harlem, NY
http://www.myspace.com/blueguerrillas
