From Chicago’s South Side to Super Bowl Stardom: Sydney Blalock Redefines Urban Skating

From Chicago’s South Side to the Super Bowl stage, Sydney Blalock redefines roller skating with her unique JB style, inspiring young skaters and showcasing Black excellence (Photo Credit: Instagram).From the energetic streets of Chicago’s South Side, Sydney Blalock is redefining what it means to be a skater in a city rich with tradition and cultural heritage.Skating isn’t just a hobby for Sydney; it’s a family legacy. Growing up, she recalls the joy of hitting the rink on Wednesday and Friday nights with her mom, mastering the art of skating backward by age 12. Her passion propelled her to adult nights, where she honed her craft and found her unique style—**JB skating, infused with the funk and footwork that Chicago is known for.After choosing Spelman College to be near Cascade Skating Rink, Sydney’s journey took a pivotal turn when a DJ encouraged her to audition for BET in Atlanta. That opportunity led to her first professional gig alongside Mike Epps, a significant milestone when skating opportunities were scarce. Her aspirations included lofty goals, like performing for Disney or Cirque du Soleil, but the lack of avenues made skating a side pursuit until the pandemic changed everything.During lockdown, Sydney began creating videos...