While your friends are heading to the lakeshore to soak up the sun this Friday, the weatherman has some other plans in store for them as thunderstorms are predicted to dampen their best laid plans.
Lucky for those who chose to stay in the 616, there are plenty of things still to do when the city empties, like attend a special evening of roller skating at the Natural Night Out Summer Skating Party at the Kentwood Fun Spot.
And while fashion mines from all eras nearly all the time these days, I am happy to see another trend in resurgence as natural hair culture within the African American community continues to emerge as a way to assert one’s authentic self.
Our local Natural Hair GR founders/champions include Johannah Jelks and Marley Ariyahu (stylist and owner of Beauty of Tziyon Organic Bath & Beauty Salon), and they have combined their efforts to advocate for similar community-building events other cities are experiencing. This includes Friday’s Summer Skating Party but also the return of their annual "Spring is In The Hair " Show & Expo (June 12 in downtown Grand Rapids on Commerce Avenue between Weston and Oakes SW.)
After the founders hosted a successful natural hair benefit show for the nonprofit Kids Food Basket at Wealthy At Charles, which more than 200 people attended, Jelks and Ariyahu recognized that indeed a desire for this culture to emerge within Grand Rapids was there.
So if you have been a fan of Roll Bounce and wanted to roll with style, or maybe just seek a fun moment like the 1979 classic (campy) film Roller Boogie, then prepare to get your 8 wheels on the giant roller dance floor. As always, event organizers encourage you to dress to impress, but most of all, be who you are.
A special admission rate of $5 (includes skate rental) has been negotiated for attendees, but you must alert the Kentwood Fun Spot ticket booth you are a part of the Natural Night Out Summer Skating Party at the time of entry. In addition, a pizza and soda ticket are $3 each.
So while it is thunder clapping outside, you’ll be slapping your skate wheels down to a feast of beats all night long.
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