The Glimpse: ‘Keep rolling no matter what’ says PGH SK8 in face of roller rink shortage

Rico Rucker, president of PGH SK8, talks on a panel after screening the HBO documentary United Skates on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at the Homewood-Brushton YMCA in Homewood. (Photo by Anastasia Busby/PublicSource) Rico Rucker uses a roll-in movie to inspire the skate community as PGH SK8 works toward opening their own roller rink in the city. “PublicSource is an independent nonprofit newsroom serving the Pittsburgh region. Sign up for our free newsletters.” by Anastasia Busby, PublicSource The Homewood-Brushton YMCA filled with the sounds of roller skaters of all ages doing laps around the gym while the first snow of the season came down outside last Thursday. The PGH SK8 collaborative works to provide accessible and safe spaces for the skating community. Rico Rucker, president of PGH SK8, has been devoted to finding these spaces for the last three years, and hopes to turn the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum into a roller rink. “I know the change it would bring to this community to open up a skating rink that will be Black-owned, for us, by us,” Rucker said. Rico Rucker, president of PGH SK8, skates with friends on Nov. 21, at the Homewood-Brushton YMCA in Homewood. (Photo by Anastasia Busby/PublicSource) Dozens...