Skating has always been more than just an activity — it has been a powerful form of expression, freedom, and creativity in communities of color. Since the 1960s, roller skating has been a sanctuary for Black people, a place where they could gather, have fun, and show off their skills in a space that was theirs. It’s a cultural movement that nurtures individual creativity, mental health, and physical well-being. Whether through roller skating or figure skating, the essence of the sport has always been about freedom, expression, and community.
Today, movements like Black Girls Skate aim to increase the visibility of skaters from marginalized communities, especially Black, nonbinary, trans, and people of color. Brands like Proper Gnar, an anime-inspired skate and streetwear brand founded by Latosha Stone, are also helping empower women of color within skating cultures. These movements remind us that skating belongs to everyone — no matter their background, identity, or where they come from. The message is clear: don’t be discouraged if you don’t see people who look like you on the rink. Skate anyway. Find a partner, join a group, or discover a quieter time to practice — skating is for everyone.
It’s within this rich history and cultural legacy that Figure Skating in Harlem, Inc. (FSH) thrives, providing an opportunity for young people of color to discover figure skating, develop life skills, and embrace their potential, both on the ice and in their lives.
Figure Skating in Harlem empowers girls of color by combining education with figure skating to foster confidence, leadership, and academic success. Serving girls in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, and now Detroit, the organization uses figure skating to provide innovative programs that promote academic achievement, physical health, and emotional well-being. By creating a safe, supportive environment, FSH helps girls grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Their goal is to equip every girl with the skills to become a strong leader, a healthy individual, and a global citizen, while expanding their impactful model to other underserved communities.
A Pathway to Empowerment
At the heart of Figure Skating in Harlem is a mission that extends far beyond just teaching kids how to skate. FSH seeks to empower young people of color — especially girls — with the confidence, academic skills, and resilience needed to break through societal barriers and achieve their dreams. It’s about more than learning to glide gracefully on the ice. It’s about developing the strength to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and rise to any occasion in both athletics and life.
By recognizing the need for inclusive, accessible onramps for beginner skaters, FSH has earned formal recognition from the United States Olympic Committee. This accolade reflects the organization’s dedication to offering a platform for youth who have historically been underrepresented in competitive skating. It is about making the sport welcoming and creating opportunities for young athletes to thrive regardless of their background.
But the impact of FSH goes far beyond the rink. The organization understands that success comes from a blend of academic, social, and athletic skills. FSH offers academic support, including tutoring, mentoring, and counseling, to help young people improve their reading, writing, math, and study skills. The organization’s holistic approach nurtures well-rounded, confident individuals who are prepared to succeed in the classroom, on the ice, and in every aspect of their lives.
Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers
FSH was born from the vision of community leaders and professional skaters who wanted to create a space where young people of color could experience the joy of figure skating — a sport that has often been associated with privilege and exclusivity. Harlem, a culturally rich neighborhood known for its historical and artistic significance, is the backdrop where these young skaters are discovering their abilities. Before FSH, many of the young people in the area never thought they would have the chance to lace up their skates and glide across the ice.
Now, through the work of FSH, that barrier is being dismantled. Figure Skating in Harlem is creating access to a sport that many thought was out of reach, and, in doing so, providing young people with the tools to break through societal limitations and challenge expectations. For these students, skating is more than just a hobby. It is a platform for personal growth, achievement, and success.
A New Chapter: Harlem Ice
The impact of FSH is beginning to reach a larger audience, thanks to the powerful new documentary series Harlem Ice. This five-part series follows the lives of young skaters as they train for competitions, all while learning to navigate life’s challenges and the skills they need to thrive beyond the rink.
In this series, viewers get an inside look at how these young people balance their passion for skating with their academic goals, personal growth, and the support of their community. Through Harlem Ice, we see not only the athleticism and skill it takes to become a figure skater, but also the strength, resilience, and leadership that these students are developing. The documentary is a beautiful reminder that the champions of tomorrow are the young people who take risks, face difficulties head-on, and use their community as a springboard for success.
The Ripple Effect of Inspiration
The message of Figure Skating in Harlem extends far beyond the rink. It is about cultivating leadership, determination, and resilience among young people who may not have previously seen a path forward in the world of sports or beyond. Every skater that laces up their skates and every student who improves in school carries with them the knowledge that they have the power to achieve their dreams, no matter where they come from.
The ripple effect of FSH is being felt not just in Harlem, but across communities of color everywhere, encouraging young people to believe in their potential and take bold steps toward the future they desire. Through programs like FSH, young people of color are seeing that they are capable of excelling in spaces that have traditionally overlooked them, whether in competitive figure skating or in academics.
These young athletes are not just learning how to land a jump or perfect their routine. They are learning how to navigate the world with confidence, determination, and the understanding that they belong in spaces of opportunity, excellence, and leadership.
A Call for More
As Figure Skating in Harlem continues to grow and inspire, it is a reminder that access, opportunity, and representation are critical. The world needs more organizations that open doors and provide pathways for young people of color to step into spaces where they may not have seen themselves before. FSH is doing just that.
As the Harlem Ice documentary series showcases, true champions are not only those who win competitions but those who build their communities, face obstacles with grace and determination, and inspire others to follow their lead. FSH is creating a future where young people of color can thrive in sports and beyond, teaching them not just how to be excellent athletes but how to be leaders in every part of their lives.
In the arcs and glides of these young skaters, we see more than athleticism — we see hope, resilience, and the power of representation. FSH is a beacon of light for every young person of color who dares to dream. The world is watching, and we are all better for it.
