PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Hard Times Skate Shop is the only black-owned skate shop in the state of Virginia. For the fourth year in a row, they are holding a community event called Go Skate Daze just in time for Juneteenth.
"The purpose of doing this is just to increase the awareness of Juneteenth and the diversity of the skateboarding culture and just bring it all together so you know we can create a little more awareness and take the negative stigma away from skateboarding," said Toney Herndon, owner of Hard Times Skate Shop.
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The shop has been open for 12 years, but moved to High Street in October 2023. Herndon partnered with Portsmouth Parks and Rec four years ago to put on this event to celebrate the holiday.
"You're definitely going to see some great skating. It's high energy. We have a great DJ, you're going to have some dancing, some fun. Just community you know, gathering and just meeting some new people and getting to know your neighbors and getting everybody together," said Herndon.
It's a two day event starting with the Juneteenth Jam, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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On June 21, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the global holiday, Go Skate Day, will be celebrated by skating and beautifying Cradock Skate Park in Portsmouth.
"It feels great. I think it is the social responsibility for all local businesses that are being supported by the community to give back in some sort of way and this is how we choose to do it," said Herndon.
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"Open to the public, free, everybody come and have a good time. If you have a skateboard, come. If you don't have a skateboard, still come. We may have extra ones and you'll still have a great time."
You can find more info on this event here.
