Chicago skateboard crew froSkate brings inclusivity

BySarah Baniak Localish logo
Friday, January 29, 2021
Chicago's froSkate is an inclusive skating collective
Chicago's froSake collective of women and people of color is bringing inclusivity to the city's skateboarding community, making skateboarding more accessible as a form of transportation while also fostering community and helping mental and physical health.

The Chicago based crew called froSkate is bringing inclusivity to the skating community.

The woman- and POC-centered skating group began with three friends hanging out and learning to fall with one another while laughing.

From there the organization expanded, bringing in women, trans, queer, gender non-conforming, and people of color to take over streets and skate parks with four wheels and a wooden board.

Most members of froSkate did not have access to learn how to skate when young, and faced hurdles to getting the right equipment. Skateboards can cost anywhere from $70 to $150.

froSkate founder Karlie Thornton is trying to make skating more accessible as a form of transportation while fostering community and helping each individual's mental and physical health.