We are a group of 50 skaters in the North East who are determined to skate a collective 685 miles throughout July to raise funds, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, for two charities who work to overcome oppression and discrimination.

Inspired by the story of Ledger Smith who, in August 1963, skated 685 miles from Chicago to Washington DC in only 10 days to attend the civil rights movement rally and hear the famous ‘I have a dream’ speech by Martin Luther King Jr.

You can read his amazing story here-

https://www.businessinsider.com/roller-man-skates-for-freedom-2015-8?r=US&IR=T&fbclid=IwAR2zy8CcaPffOtnY4xl0pBv2VjVI2CBXWKT9Uy6WNmSmk8J_kyXR7OM94aE

With skaters from local roller derby teams and others who have never even skated before! This is a true challenge for everyone involved!

We are all in this together, but socially distanced, with a clear message to SKATE AGAINST HATE!

Throughout July 2020 we will each skate a minimum of 15 miles, or 3.9 miles per week to reach the full team goal! You can keep an eye on each skaters weekly progress on our Facebook page –

https://www.facebook.com/skateagainsthate2020

All proceeds will be equally split between 2 amazing charitites the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and Angelou Centre!

"Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust work with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds aged 13 to 30 to inspire and enable them to succeed in the career of their choice. We also influence others to create a fairer society in which everyone, regardless of their background, can flourish."

"The Angelou Centre is a Black-led women’s NGO based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. They offer a range of holistic women only services for BME women across the region. They also work at strategic and national levels ensuring the voices of BME women are represented."

Keep our skaters rolling by sharing our challenge and Ledger Smith's story as much as you can! Help us support these amazing organisations, campaign against racism and raise awareness of the work still left to do to achieve racial equality. Let's carry on Ledger's strong message and skate against hate!

Spread the word and please donate what you can!