The story is that skateboarding was probably born sometime in the late 1940s or early 1950s, when surfers in California wanted something to surf when the waves were flat. Now, reports reveal there’s more than 18.5 million recorded skateboarders in the world, but this radio broadcast will be about more than skateboarding.
Skate Cafe’ and the guys involved are about providing a refuge for those appreciating the art of skateboarding; a place for expressive artists to congregate; and a refuge for young creative minds to communicate and celebrate their diversity. Last, but not least, Skate Cafe’ is a site where two distinctly different communities — loft-dwelling, upscale, downtown residents and visitors conjoin with Skidrow eclectic and artistic minds, to shop, converse and have free coffee/tea (hence, the name Skate Café).
The founders of Skate Café are professional skater Cato Williams, skater David Nussman and Soulful Commandoe designer Nicholas Mayfield. Professional athlete, Crushow Herring (artist and Skidrow activist) is collaborating with the Café, bringing artist and community programs to the shop.
Find out more about the Skate Café in a featured article in the Los Angeles Downtown News (May 14, 2010)
