Thrasher Magazine

The Vans Space in Brooklyn opened its doors for a big ol’ bash to cap off Black History Month with The Harold Hunter Foundation. As usual, they got catering and threw out gear to the hardest-ripping locals. Not as usual, they also treated the scene to a new edit by R.B. Umali that highlights decades of New York’s most influential Black skaters. Big ups to everyone who came out. —Ted Schmitz

Security and waivers walkin’ in. This place is run like a tight ship

With Berto and Chris, the crew that runs that ship is also tight

First tough guy and nice guy of the night, Heikkila and Henry

Jersey Dave AKA “the host with most Half Cabs” always makes sure the VIPs are laced up

Heading into the much-needed heat, Mark Del Negro and Pat Heid worked the welcoming-committee beat like pros

On the ones-and-twos, the wheels of steel or as the squares call them, the record players next to each other, we’ve got Fatherbop!

The crowd assembles

Best lookin’ coat rack in the city

Better to have and not need, right?

John Devine agrees

Refer to this when wondering the proper ratio of peace to horns

The crew at BKLYN Blend made sure everyone was fueled up with the highest-octane superfoods on the market. I should tell Neen about this place

A second-graders worst nightmare

Fresh off the assembly line, these boxes hold what was probably the best meal I had all month

You thought they would serve wimp water at this thing? Liquid Death is the perfect pairing with any Reynolds-grade food group

Good people were abundant

Oh shit, the lenses are out! Let’s get into the park

PBR and pool coping? Nah, we’re goin’ with smoothies and steel tonight

This thing could do some damage at a DIY though

The rare Tom Schaar board that also abides by the forbidden 14 rule

Tough guys need love too

The locals were already warming up the hubba. Front tail

Holy shit! Kid came outta nowhere

First T 50-50, Derek Holmes probably's got somethin’ serious on the backburner

Not your average ski trip

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” God bless the Postal Service

Love to bother my fellow media men Mike and Marcus 

One last look at the fine dining

Jersey Dave, young MC or actual Master of Ceremonies clearing the park?

Naquan got the box and the most coveted glass in the game

Staten Island superstar Leo Heinert got his seat early

Before the video, Kava shared some touching words and reiterated the importance of building a community for and with the Black skaters of New York. It was an honor to witness

Speaking of, let’s watch this new piece from R.B.!

Naquan and Fatherbop lock down the back row

Iconic from start to finish

As always, I encourage you to watch live premieres through a second screen, lest you immerse yourself in the real-deal experience. I should’ve told Osiris homie to pay attention, though

The best chair on planet Earth

We got SOTYs. I repeat, SOTYs are on the screen!

Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without the King! Tyshawn “Two-Times” Jones doing what he does best

Brooklyn, baby

The fans loved it! 

Now let’s use that stoke for some best-trick sessions!

First session, we’re startin’ at level one. Back tail

Simple, elegant, classy front nose

Leveled up, kicky back tail

The best trick for a still, crook nollie flip

Actually this is the best trick for a still, darkslide

Let’s take this show to the big six

Straight to it, back heel

And the kid is at it AGAIN!!! I never see it comin’

Chucky was at cruising altitude all night, heelflip

Speaking of, we got a flying V heel

Derek Holmes brings the best-trick staple, 360 flip

Steppin’ up to the hubba, back 5-0

The longest crook I’ve ever seen on this hubs

Call the tailor ‘cause we’re threadin’ needles

And rounding out the set, some proper dippage on the Smithage

This one was actually just a crook. The still don’t lie

Chucky’s back with a full-speed one-footer

Derek shuts the rail down with a front hurricane

Naquan, who’s takin’ it?

Of course! Derek brings the whole thing to a close with a kickflip back tail

Alright, Henry, who’s gettin’ some gear?

Maybe the people in the back?!

We got you

Let’s hope everyone’s a size ten

Maybe one or two ten-and-a-halfs

That Smith will get you a shirt

And a tote!

Alright, I think this means it’s time to bounce

One last rip while the park’s empty. Mike Heikkila, slappy crooks

As always, thank you, Vans and Harold Hunter Foundation for welcoming us in to join the party. It’s a beautiful scene. We’re lucky to witness the talent and pay homage to all the Black pioneers and practitioners who are essential to our little world

Country road, take me home

Now, to furiously “like” this P-Rod X Bucked Up Energy post until I get service at the next stop. Pretty bummed Danny Falla and 9,713 others beat me to it