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Your film made me realize how special landmarks in a city can have such an impact on our community. There's a skating rink in Tucson and I never once have thought about how it influences the city. Your film has me now reflecting about if for some reason Skate Country ceased to exist its absences would definitely be noticed. -SH

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Where do I even begin? This film was remarkable in every sense. The production, the storytelling, Professor G’s guest appearance! Everything was done in a way that perfectly encapsulated the importance of World On Wheels as a cultural landmark. I’ve only been to WOW twice (and both times I was in the inner rink admiring the pros) and had no idea of its significance. I’m glad I watched this film because it provided me with a newfound respect and history for WOW. I especially enjoyed hearing other people’s thoughts and memories about WOW. Not only did it add to its significance as a community “hub” but it also made hearing about its closure that much more heartbreaking. However, seeing as how WOW has survived so much throughout the years, there’s no doubt in my mind that its legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who cherished its presence. Not to mention, as you all pointed out in the film, WOW might actually become a WORLD ON WHEELS, which is really cool because it means that it’ll serve as a safe haven for even more people, and in doing so, inspire even more communities to come together as a whole. Once again, outstanding work!
- From Professor G’s class

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All I can say is WOW (pun intended), your film really struck a chord in me.

I had actually passed by World on Wheels on a couple of occasions and had no idea the history and importance this landmark held. As an outsider, your film was enlightening and drew me in from the very first moments. Your film does an excellent job taking what appears - to those like myself - to be an ordinary roller-rink, and reveals how important World on Wheels is for the community, and what a cultural icon it truly was. There are so many layers, from it being a place to learn from others, a place to share your experiences, to a place where culture and knowledge is passed down through the generations.

I appreciate your optimism, and I too believe that these places of cultural learning will find a home in the near future. However, this film is also a stark reminder as to some of the casualties of not only this pandemic, but also the changing landscape of Los Angeles that doesn’t seem to favor places of such complexity and cultural exchange. Your film is a reminder that these access points are hidden in plain sight, and from them, even an outsider like myself can learn and appreciate the sacred nature of a roller rink.

Thank you; I really enjoyed your film.

Jackson G. (Prof G’s class)

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It is always so amazing to see places like World on Wheels that have such a large, amazing impact on the community. It was really cool to get an insider look into the significance that WOW had for the community and first-hand accounts of how highly regarded WOW was within the community. I find it sad that developers coming into communities give little thought into the significance of businesses and places that they may choose to take over, develop, and open new businesses in the place. I loved the guest performance of Professor G and learning about the significance of skating to him! It is truly a shame that WOW had to close down, and it must be quite hard for everyone so close to it to lose a place like that and that is well reflected in the interviews. I like that through that disheartening ending for WOW, the film ends by talking about continuing the skating legacy that WOW created for so many and peering optimistically toward a new future for WOW.

-Griff Riggs (Professor G’s class)

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I love that despite World on Wheels closing, there are plans to continue its legacy as a mobile World on Wheels!! It clearly had a great positive impact on so many young people in the area. This film goes to show the perseverance of people in the face of hardship. I also love the tie die background as this information came up—it adds a fun pop and I will always love anything tie die. Skating is such a fun way to come together. I love the hope for the future of WOW and the plans to bring it back. I love the passion that I can just imagine was in the air when it was still poppin, and the way that people like PROFESSOR G talk about it when they would go there when they were younger. This made me nostalgic for something I never even experienced. -Audrey from Professor G's class

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This video was very sad to watch because I used to visit here a lot on my free time pre-covid. World on Wheels was a place for the youth and adolescent to skate freely and have fun while doing so. World on Wheels has done a lot for the community because it gave a sense of security in a time of need. This film captured the essence of the World on Wheels and the culture behind it.

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I have never even stepped foot in LA, but after watching this film, I feel like I grew up going to WOW every weekend. I loved the interviews and anecdotes describing the significance of WOW to so many people. It really helped me understand the value of this special place. This idea of a place having value to people actually reminds me of something I learned in seminar class which is the concept of space becoming place. Space is simply that, a space, but space becomes place when people have feelings, emotions, and connections to that place. I can see how WOW was much more than a space to roller stake, it was a place beloved by so many. We read a text in Prof. G’s class by Deidre Sklar which described the study and importance of movement. One point was that movement knowledge is a kind of cultural knowledge (1), and I could tell that skating at WOW was an important cultural aspect that was shared among everyone there as demonstrated by the older skaters having a polished routine (around minute 4). I grew up in a small town in Alabama, and we didn’t have a fun place for the community to gather and be free and just have fun with other people, so I wish I had something as cool as WOW in my life! Great film! -Eric Wang (sent by Prof G!)

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Wonderful film. The images, transitions, and stories brought a smile to my face. Thank you for unpacking how important the culture was at WOW. I can tell that the effects were intergenerational. I pray that one day, the rink can be restored with even more resources to bring your community together more than ever. Spots like these that have existed for Black people over the years to gather and be joyful, creative, and free as themselves are necessary, especially in the midst of the racial injustices occurring in the outside world. The improvisational dancing and skating shown was very meaningful, especially when practiced outside of the roller rink. It shows Black individuals taking everything that WOW was and bringing it to the parking lot. Though it may pale in comparison to the presence of friends, family, the atmosphere and potential crushes, it’s very telling that the individuals in the film feel empowered enough to continue skating beyond the confines of the rink.

-Jala Beasley-Williams

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This is a great production and storytelling. This reminded me of me trying to explain an aspect of my culture to the people I meet but eventually ending up with people having no clue what I am talking about. As far as I am concerned, I felt how you guys feel about WOW and what it means for you and your community. Its inspiring to see you guys doing a great job in keeping the memory of WOW alive. The way you told the story- the interviews, the background info texts, and the poetic narration of WOW’s experience- deserves a standing applause. The soundtrack was very fun, made the film much more engaging. The emotional connection between the interviewees and WOW made the film more than a story, it was a great idea to add that.

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Wow! Thank you so much for sharing about the impact that roller skating and WOW have had on so many people! It was so interesting to hear about WOW being a place of community for many Black people specifically, and the way that it was a learning environment for so many as well. Thank you for allowing us to hear about the beautiful memories that people have created within this place. It taught me that WOW is truly such an important part of Black culture in LA, and more specifically, that it is such an important part of Black expressive culture. Your film showed me that WOW was a place of creativity, knowledge, and togetherness. Most importantly, your film made me realize just how much we really need to value these places, somewhere where people are free to express their identities. It saddened me to hear about the loss of WOW, but I was glad that you all gave us a glimpse into what the future could possibly hold for roller skating in South LA. Your words and presentation were amazing. Thank you for teaching me something new.

- Juliana S. (from Professor Grimes' class)

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Dear Shandela, Seacrest, Nathael, and Andy,

Before watching this film, I had never heard of World on Wheels. Coming into this film knowing very little about roller skating and its significance, I feel that you all have taught me so much in the span of just fourteen minutes. The different sections of the film helped me understand the multifaceted significance of World on Wheels to Black LA culture, particularly that World on Wheels was a safe place, where people felt free. This feeling of freedom was very well represented by the different video clips of students skating and dancing that played throughout the film. In particular, the girl who skated laps outside while wearing a dress and long sweater stood out to me. Though she was doing a physical activity, she was not dressed in gym clothes, rather she was dressed in a put together outfit that she chose and felt confident in, which is a form of expression in itself. During skating, she has the freedom and safety to wear whatever she pleases. Furthermore, the context of her skating was out in the open air with another kid of a different age and skill level. This demonstrates that roller skating is an activity that can be done anywhere, with anyone, and while wearing anything, which helped make World on Wheels such a welcoming and safe space. Additionally, the interviews in the film with peoples’ personal memories at World on Wheels showed that World on Wheels had various, distinct impacts on community members’ lives. Despite their different memories though, all of the interviewees found that World on Wheels was a place where they could get connected to the community and meet people. Safe places like this are so important, and it is heartbreaking that after all the World on Wheels has withstood, it has closed. I appreciate that you finished off the film with the future section, as it is important to try to continue the sense of security that World on Wheels provided. Thank you for teaching me about the history, significance, and future of World on Wheels. This was an awesome tribute.

(Shoutout to Professor G for recommending that we watch your film. I’m so grateful that I got to watch this.)

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Absolutely phenomenal work! This film did an incredible job depicting the gravity World on Wheels has held within the Los Angeles community. As someone who’s lived in Los Angeles for just under 8 months, I found your film to be incredibly helpful and informative into understanding components of Los Angeles culture. COVID restrictions have stripped much of the identity that makes Los Angeles an amazingly empowering domain. However, this piece provided me with a lens to witness LA’s community of empowerment, and for that I thank you.

The enigmatic storytelling style--switching from a historical description of World on Wheels to powerful poetic recollections, with testimony from my own professor--drew me in and kept me engrossed in the material. The immersive visuals made me feel as though I was actually in WOW, in a pre-social media era. It left me desiring to spend a night at World on Wheels, and then realizing that much of these cultural havens are being stripped away everyday.

Works like this are what can bring the community together to preserve such amazing venues as WOW. You’ve spread the seed of cultural education to countless viewers, who can then further that by sharing it with friends and family. I know that’s what I’ll do.

Personally, I look forward to visiting World on Wheels for the first time and bringing several friends. I’ve wanted to expose myself to LA culture since coming here, and feel I’ve done little to accomplish that. Your work has inspired me to go out and visit communal hotspots like World on Wheels and cherish each of their unique features while I can.

Best,

Greg Sarandi from Professor G’s class

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These poems… are you kidding! So beautiful.

Thank you so much for sharing these stories about this wonderful place. I didn’t know a lot about WOW but I am so happy that I do now. I could see how important this place was and still is. This film’s emphasis on the cultural impact of this rink, a safe place that brought kids together to practice skating, dance freely, enjoy each other’s company, socialize, etc. is so important. These are the cultural ties that help provide security and belonging, especially in situations where the groups are marginalized. I really loved hearing from some of the skaters who loved the rink. It was great to hear them say how important WOW was to them and what their experience was. I also loved your idea for the future, moving forward. That seems like a great way to keep the spirit alive and embrace the communal contribution that WOW provided. I believe that you all did a great job at demonstrating how the legacy of skating & WOW will continue. *Also have to give a sidenote: the editing was superb! Thank you so much for sharing

s/o to Professor Grimes for telling us about this!

-Luke Csordas

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Dear Shandela, Seacrest, Nathael, and Andy,

First of all, the soundtrack to this film was full of absolute bangers and that made for an enjoyable experience that transported me to what I imagined what WOW was like back in the day. As an outsider to LA culture, I was not aware of the legacy that WOW and the skating culture carries but this film was both entertaining and informational.

I think the best part of WOW is that it became a hub where memories were made, a place children were free from violence and expectations, and a skating rink where older skaters would polish their routines while unknowingly influencing the youth. Further than that, it’s roots run deep in South LA culture as memories have been shared and created there from generation to generation.

Hopefully this iconic place will continue to create the same safe space for generations to come. I really loved your group’s idea of a mobile WOW. I grew up in a place filled with crime and gang violence but my safe space was a mobile recreation program called Fun on the Run. It came to my neighborhood afterschool and it kept the children occupied with games, crafts, and other activities. In my opinion, that would be a worthwhile project that has the ability to continue WOWs legacy in more modern times:)

Thank you for giving me insight into a critical part of South LA culture… I really enjoyed the film!

Best,

Leslie Ramos from prof. Grimes’ class

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This is a phenomenal production! Thank you. Through your authentic representation of WOW in its four stages, memory, love, loss, and future, you enable someone like me (coming from Europe) to get an idea of the immense richness and beauty that is prevalent in the South LA communities. I am deeply touched by the love and creativity and freedom that is defining WOW and providing a safe space for children and youth to fully embrace their cultural background and learn from previous generations of skaters and create a sense of identity in a world that continues to be shaped by white supremacy. You radiate so much hope and belief in the goodness of the future among the challenges that are faced, it is truly remarkable! I'm here to see WOW recover and continue to grow, just like the inspiring community around it. All the best! Emilia Weske

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This was a very profound and insightful video! The descriptive opening monologue really pulled me in and set the stage for the rest of the video by your ability to paint the picture of a scene in World on Wheels. The "memories" discussed really show how generational cultural hubs like World on Wheels are; the childhood memories of older generations going to World on Wheels has trickled down to today's generations. My past roommate, who's from South LA, has brought me to World on Wheels before, and this video puts into perspective the experience I had. It all aligns perfectly - at the time I had noticed that some older skaters were extremely polished and skilled, carrying a confident swag with their moves and pace. That's not by accident, and this video did a great job of explaining that World on Wheels served as a safe haven for people in South LA, and that traditional spirit has carried on for decades. Professor Sabela makes a great point in saying that he picked up a lot of game from World on Wheels - this is a deeper statement than just learning how to skate, and it furthers the point that places like World on Wheels are critical to establishing the rich culture South LA has. Great production!
- Ygor Pereira (from Professor G's class)

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WOW! This film brought me back to my childhood. I used to go to World on wheels every summer. I remember how nervous and reluctant I was to start skating as I was always scared to fall on my face in the middle of the floor. But when I got the courage to start skating…. MAN OH MAN, I was the happiest little girl ( not sure I can skate anymore though lol). Thank you for sharing the deep history of World on Wheels with us all. I really enjoyed hearing other people’s memories and just seeing the impact it had on the culture. It is sad to see that World on Wheels has closed again as this has been a generational activity that has been highly celebrated and appreciated in many black communities. World on wheels was a sacred space where many people felt free to be themselves and vibe with other like-minded individuals. However, this speaks to the power of our community as we keep finding new ways to either reopen these spaces or start new ones.  I really enjoyed this film as it brought on so much perspective and really reminded me of the cultural importance of such places like World on Wheels which can be looked at as just another skating rink to outsiders. (I am glad Professor Grimes sent me to watch these films)

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This video was very touching. I am a person who love to skate as well so I can relate to the pain of world on wheels closing. World on wheels was the only place I would go to have fun when I moved to LA for school. I loved watching different groups skate around showing off their tricks. World on Wheels will definitely be missed. This film really showed what world on wheels was about. Great job!

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Woooow. I have so much to say about this film. First, of all of these films, Professor G really wanted us to watch this one specifically and now I see he just wanted us to see his feature! LOL! No, but seriously, this film gave me big "we used to roll at the rink" (Chance the Rapper) vibes. It gave me Roll Bounce vibes (go watch the movie if you haven't already). I say all that to say that I could really relate to this film. I'm not from LA so I've never been to WOW, but I grew up going to the skating rink every single Friday. I have so many memories there and so much love for the rink. People who didn't share that experience could never understand the impact that a place as "simple" as a skating rink could mean to someone. I love this video because it talks about that impact, and it is a beautiful tribute to a place that obviously meant a lot to the community.

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This film was amazing! I appreciate the way in which you guided us through different components of World of Wheels. By doing so, I was able to understand that World of Wheels was more than just a skating rink; it was a place were people felt safe and free to express and embrace their self identity. I appreciate this film because it made me question my own life and my/my families past: where was their safe place? did they have one? did they need one? Your film sheds light on the oppression of black communities, who needed a space like World of Wheels to express and embrace themselves (which they should have been able to do wherever and whenever: if it had not been for white supremacist institutions). The interviews you included were very valuable because it made me feel the significance of World of Wheels; it made me see black communities pain and the joy this place invoked in them. Also, I love how you include a section that looks into the future; places like World of Wheels are necessary in society. These environments allow people to feel safe and embrace their self identity: something everybody should be allowed and feel comfortable to do. Thank you for sharing this film! Congratulations! It is wonderful!                            P.S: I am Professor Grimes's student.                               - Stephanie Schroer Prado

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Love this wheels,love San from your mom in Belize to Shandy and group and all the students who took part. Awesome 👍 job to everyone

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Love, love, love the soundtrack! Took me back to my own childhood; Saturday mornings waking up to my mother’s music.

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This video made me feel hope about ways World on Wheels lives on through memories and the possibility of World on Wheels coming back in different forms. I was reminded of my own time visiting and skating World on Wheels in middle school. It was the spot to go for birthday parties!