Lifelong DC resident Lionell Simpson shares his experiences skating in Anacostia Park. He started skating at the Anacostia rink at the age of four with his stepmother, and later became a performer and volunteer rink guard. He explains why he loves skating and the hard work it takes to win a gold medal. Lionell reflects on the friendly people he's met at Anacostia Park, and expresses how he'd like to see the Park and the skating rink updated. Above all, he stresses his passion for skating: "this is my life ... it's fundamental."
Fourth grader NaZir Howard discusses what he likes about Anacostia Park. He's been coming for about a month, and enjoys skating, the events, and the basketball courts. He likes to skate because it allows him to express himself and it's okay to make mistakes. He talks about how the Park should include more go-go in the music they play. He ends with a word to his friends: "if you ever feel the need to come skating, this is the spot!"
Neta Vaught -- Washingtonian native, mother of five, and mental health advocate -- shares her experiences with go-go music. She defines go-go music as something different that brings families and communities together, and shares that this event at Anacostia Park brought her own family together. She reflects on her time going to go-gos as a teenager, going on go-go bus trips, and performing in a go-go band. She sees a strong connection between go-go and DC: "go-go music is DC's culture, it's who we are. We're born into it, we can't get away from it."
Pamela "Pam" Vaughn, who grew up in Anacostia, reflects on her experiences skating and with Anacostia Park. She discusses how she comes to the Park almost every weekend, and loves the free events and friendly people. She remembers when the skating rink was built and skating there as a child. Some of her favorite memories of the park include potlucks with family from near and far. In the future, she wouldn't change anything about the park except for some minor updates. Pam expresses her gratitude to those who organize free events at the park: "there's always something here."
Sheila Linder describes what Anacostia Park and skating means to her. She appreciates the programs and activities they provide for the kids, and remembers coming to events at the Park throughout the summer. She loves the music, skating, and entertainment at the Park and while some things have changed, she shares that most things have stayed the same.
Tammy Ingram, who grew up in Southeast DC, describes her past experiences with go-go music and the changes she's seen in her community. She describes her affinity for Anacostia Park as a home away from home, and reflects upon listening to go-go music throughout her life. She explains the changes she's seen in Southest DC, including the development of new buildings and destruction of trees and grass, and hopes that Anacostia Park will remain a green place of peace. She shows the centrality of her neighborhood and go-go music to DC: "Southeast, Anacostia Park, go-go: if we can keep all that alive, then you have the real city."
Tyrone Hall, a member of the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens, reflects on his life experiences, the role of his organization, and the significance of go-go music. He explains how he returned from prison 8 months ago and the work he's done since to provide services for other returning citizens. He expresses the need for events like Late Skate for kids to prevent violence in the community. Tyrone discusses the significance of go-go music to DC, and the inspritation its served him as a rap artist. He reflects on gentrification in DC and the role of events like Late Skate that bring races together: "bringing everyone together is small, but it's monumental to me."