Cascade History

,
Cascade Skating Rink

The Cultural Epicenter of Adamsville: A Comprehensive History of Cascade Family Skating

Introduction: A Modern Anchor on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

The thoroughfare of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive [formerly Gordon Road] serves as a primary commercial and residential artery of Southwest Atlanta. In the late twentieth century, a new institution was established at 3335 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in the Adamsville neighborhood. Cascade Family Skating was conceived as a commercial recreation facility, but it rapidly evolved into a globally recognized cultural landmark. The building became the undisputed epicenter of Atlanta’s Black roller skating culture, a premier destination for the hip-hop and film industries, a vital staging ground for political mobilization, and a sacred space where the community gathered to celebrate its triumphs and mourn its profound losses.

Chapter 1: The Architect from Brooklyn

The visionary behind Cascade Family Skating was Greg Alexander. One of eighteen children, Alexander grew up in a Caribbean household in Manhattan, later living in the Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights neighborhoods of Brooklyn.[1] While his siblings frequently left the house to go roller skating, Alexander used the quiet time to immerse himself in books.[2] His academic drive was exceptional. By the age of sixteen, he spent his final year of high school studying architectural drawing at New York University.[3]

Alexander’s path to Atlanta was serendipitous. Following a stint as a member of the United States Air Force, he climbed the corporate ladder at the Eastman Kodak Company while doing construction work on the side.[4] When Kodak offered him a management position, he realized his true ambition was to own his own company. Alexander, a retired Air Force veteran, arrived in Atlanta looking for business opportunities.[5] He initially considered purchasing a McDonald’s franchise or a daycare center before his brother suggested a skating rink.[6] With the encouragement of his Aunt Mary in Decatur, he turned his attention to the local market.[7]

In the early 1990s, the metro Atlanta skating scene was dominated by three major rinks: Sparkles in Riverdale, All American in Stone Mountain, and Golden Glide on Wesley Chapel Road.[8] Alexander visited Golden Glide and noted its run-down condition. He approached the owner, Joe Baker, and initiated negotiations. In February 1993, Alexander and his Aunt Mary officially purchased Golden Glide, including the land and its contents, for $800,000.[9], [10] Alexander later recalled the gravity of the ride home, noting that his aunt asked him what they had just done. He promised her they would make it work.[11]

At the time of the purchase, Golden Glide was grossing less than $400,000 annually.[12] Alexander had no experience running a company, but he possessed a fierce competitive streak. He initiated renovations, added a full kitchen, and introduced birthday party packages. The turnaround was staggering. The rink grossed nearly $500,000 in its first year. Four years later, Golden Glide broke one million dollars in sales, surpassing the revenue of Sparkles, the rink Alexander had viewed as his primary corporate rival.[13] Remarkably, despite owning skating rinks for over three decades, Alexander admits he still does not know how to skate, preferring to focus entirely on the behind-the-scenes business operations.[14]

Chapter 2: The 1996 Master Plan and the Ultimate Rink

Despite his success in DeKalb County, Alexander recognized a massive void in the market. There was not a single roller skating rink operating inside the Atlanta city limits. To fill this gap, Alexander partnered with Chuck Taylor, a local lawyer and businessman, and Peter McLean. Their goal was to build what Alexander called the “ultimate rink.”[15], [16]

The public record of this ambition was first documented by journalist S.A. Reid in the October 31, 1996, edition of The Atlanta Constitution. Reid reported the initial plans for a $1.5 million facility on a 4.5-acre tract on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.[17] The actual realization of the project took several years. In 1997, Alexander sat down and designed Cascade on paper.[18] He used Golden Glide as a model, specifically noting the elements he disliked and changing them for his new venture.[19] He utilized the architectural drawing courses he had taken in college to draft the blueprints.[20]

Securing the capital for a Black-owned entertainment venue in Southwest Atlanta proved incredibly difficult. The partnership was turned down by eight different banks before the ninth bank finally agreed to finance the project.[21], [22] With funding secured, they officially broke ground in September 1999.[23]

The scale of the project was unprecedented for the Adamsville corridor. The 33,000-square-foot building was designed around a massive 15,000-square-foot maple wood skating floor.[24] However, the most profound element of the building’s construction was hidden from public view.

“Before the maple wood was installed, Alexander and his family took markers and scribbled Bible verses across the entire concrete foundation. Alexander later revealed that this hidden scripture was the literal and spiritual secret to the rink’s enduring success.”[25]

To cater to a multi-generational demographic, the developers included a 3,400-square-foot adult lounge on the second level.[26] This elevated space allowed parents to observe the skating floor below while enjoying nonalcoholic frozen drinks, creating a family-centric environment equipped with a top-of-the-line sound and lighting system.[27], [28] The facility also featured a pro shop, a novelty shop, a snack bar, and redemption games.[29]

By the spring of 2000, Cascade Family Skating was officially open to the public, as noted in the “CityLife” section of The Atlanta Constitution.[30] Alexander, a man who fiercely guarded his privacy, initially preferred to be known merely as a manager.[31] He even terminated employees who revealed his ownership status.[32] However, his perspective shifted when a young Black skater expressed disbelief that a Black man could own such a magnificent facility.[33] Realizing the importance of representation, Alexander agreed to record a video detailing the history of the rink, which was subsequently played on televisions in the lobby to inspire the next generation.[34]

Chapter 3: The Generational Hub and the Legends of the Floor

The culture of roller skating in Atlanta is deeply rooted in the city’s Black history. As Tasha Klusmann, a historian with The National African American Roller Skating Archive, noted, wealthy Black people have been skating as long as the activity has existed.[35] Local organizers like Lina Camboulin, who fostered groups that met twice a week at Grant Park, emphasized that skating was not just a hobby, but a vital way to build community through dance and movement.[36] Greg Alexander echoed this sentiment, stating that the core of roller skating is its generational nature.[37]

Cascade Family Skating quickly transcended its role as a simple recreation center to become the modern steward of this legacy. It became a vital civic hub where local organizations hosted fundraisers, college students socialized, and neighbors supported one another through personal crises. When reflecting on the enduring success of Cascade, Alexander attributes it primarily to one foundational principle: putting God first in the establishment.[38]

The immediate success of the rink was driven by its Sunday night adult sessions. Within a week of opening, the Sunday night session took off, and by the second Sunday, the building hosted over one thousand people.[39] Alexander noted that this signature session catered to an age group of eighteen to forty-year-olds who had made a conscious decision to choose the skating rink over traditional nightclubs.[40] The atmosphere was electric, with skaters taking turns in the middle of the floor to show off their skills and showboat, a scene Alexander likened to the classic television show Soul Train.[41] The rink also hosted dedicated Wednesday night skate practices at 6:22 p.m. for serious enthusiasts to hone their craft.[42]

The floor was dominated by local legends who shaped the distinct Atlanta skating style. Community accounts frequently highlight figures like OG Kojak, known locally as “Superman,” who is widely recognized as an originator of the legendary ATL skate style. Other revered figures included Push1515, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Sparkles Smyrna, and Mr. Brady, a founder of Atlanta’s skate culture and former owner of the JellyBean Skating Rink. The rink was also home to the official Cascade Dream Team, a dedicated skate crew that represented brotherhood and sisterhood on wheels, and beloved regulars like “Gator Bread,” who was remembered as a childhood hero in the community. Prominent local figures like Bishop Oldes were also frequently spotted showcasing their energy on the rink.

For regular patrons, the rink fostered a deep sense of belonging. Visitors described it as a family reunion where you could see aunts, grandmothers, and friends.[43] Alexander compared the environment to the television show Cheers, noting that after a few months of attendance, a skater became almost like a celebrity because everyone knew their name.[44]

The rink’s late-night programming became a staple of Atlanta’s collegiate and philanthropic social scene, heavily documented in the local press. In January 2001, The Atlanta Journal promoted the “R.A.W. Roller Skating Party,” a late-night event running from 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. to raise funds for the Brotherhood of Men of the Historically African-American Colleges and Universities, with tickets priced at ten dollars in advance and fifteen dollars at the door.[45], [46] Local college students frequently utilized the space. In November 2003, journalist Jon Waterhouse reported that students from Morris Brown College organized an 18-and-over late-night skate, charging a ten-dollar admission fee and inviting the public to sweat to a curated mix of R&B oldies, contemporary tracks, and hip-hop.[47]

The facility also served as a sanctuary for grassroots community support. In November 2002, The Atlanta Constitution published a photograph of Wilena and Gregory Thompson setting up a table directly inside the rink to sell stuffed bears and T-shirts.[48] The couple utilized the heavy foot traffic of the skating sessions to raise crucial funds for Wilena’s impending kidney transplant, demonstrating how deeply integrated the business was into the personal lives of the Adamsville residents.[49] The rink also hosted broader neighborhood initiatives. In May 2006, a community flea market was held at the facility from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to benefit the Cascade Youth Organization.[50]

For many families, the rink became a generational tradition. Heather King, an avid skater, moved to Atlanta from Indianapolis in 2000 specifically because of the city’s vibrant skating culture.[51] She became a regular at Cascade’s weekly skate nights, passing the tradition down to her children and her granddaughter, Zoe Chanel Easton, who began skating at the rink at age three.[52] King famously joked that she wanted her ashes cremated and placed at Cascade on a Wednesday night so she could continue to hear the music.[53]

Chapter 4: Hollywood, Hip-Hop, and the Silver Screen

As the rink’s local popularity surged, it caught the attention of the global music and entertainment industries. Because of its proximity to downtown Atlanta, Cascade Family Skating became the undisputed epicenter of the city’s celebrity culture during the early 2000s, hosting events for luminaries like Magic Johnson and Sean “P. Diddy” Combs.[54], [55]

The ultimate testament to the rink’s prestige was chronicled by journalist Richard L. Eldredge in his “Peach Buzz” column. On September 2, 2002, Eldredge reported that Cascade hosted the 21st birthday party for international music icon Beyoncé.[56] Mathew and Tina Knowles rented out the entire facility for an exclusive, invitation-only celebration attended by more than 1,500 guests.[57] The dress code was strictly enforced as “funky fresh ’80s gold and white attire.”[58] The guest list transformed Martin Luther King Jr. Drive into a red carpet event, featuring appearances by Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Dallas Austin, T-Boz and Chilli from TLC, Jagged Edge, Chris Tucker, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams.[59]

The music industry continued to utilize the space for its visual aesthetics. While R&B star Ciara filmed the music video for her massive hit single “1, 2 Step” in an Atlanta dance studio and on the streets under the direction of Benny Boom, she maintained a strong connection to the rink.[60] In April 2005, Cascade hosted a party for the singer, where fans, including a 22-year-old named Shaq Maultsby, were photographed popping and shaking while awaiting her arrival.[61]

Historical Context: The Making of ATL
This cultural momentum culminated in the production of the 2006 feature film ATL. Directed by Chris Robinson and starring T.I. (Tip Harris), Lauren London, Evan Ross, and Big Boi, the movie was heavily filmed on location at Cascade Family Skating.[62], [63] The narrative was loosely based on the real-life teenage skating memories of the film’s producers, Dallas Austin and TLC’s Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins.[64] The film served as a direct nod to the legacy of the JellyBean Skating Rink from the 1980s and 1990s, immortalizing the specific culture, fashion, and music of the Southwest Atlanta skating scene. During the 2005 filming, actors Pierpaolo Green, Khadijah Haqq, and James Jones doubled for the principals in scenes featuring the rival skating crew known as “The Preps.”[65] Director Chris Robinson noted the historical significance of the project, stating that ATL was the first time anybody had ever seen Atlanta on the big screen, and he wanted to make it dope for the city.[66] T.I. echoed this sentiment, noting that film is a collective effort about “us” and “we” rather than “me.”[67]

The production also permanently altered the building’s aesthetic. Alexander revealed that the famous red and black Cascade sign was actually a remnant of the film set.[68] Prior to the movie, the rink’s logo was a circle featuring blue, red, and grey colors.[69] While the film was a domestic hit, Alexander noted that its true impact was launching Cascade’s fame overseas.[70] Many international viewers did not realize it was a real skating rink.[71] The movie’s worldwide appeal transformed Cascade into a global tourist destination, drawing visitors from Korea, Japan, Australia, and beyond who wanted to experience the iconic location for themselves.[72] The red carpet premiere in March 2006 brought the stars back to the city, and the film’s success permanently elevated the rink to the status of a historic cultural landmark.[73]

The rink’s status as a celebrity haven continued well into the next decade. In May 2017, producer Jermaine Dupri rented out the facility for a private event titled “Picture Me Rolling.”[74] The party featured an open bar for adults and appearances by aspiring young rappers from Dupri’s reality television show, The Rap Game, with R&B superstar Usher lacing up his skates to join the festivities.[75] Usher returned the following year, hosting his own massive birthday celebration at Cascade on October 12, 2018.[76] The celebrities who frequented the rink also used it as a base for local philanthropy. On December 19, 2007, journalist Mike Benzie reported that rapper Young Jeezy hosted his “1,000 Toys for 1,000 Kids” Celebrity Skate Jam at Cascade.[77] The event was a massive convergence of sports and music royalty. Guests included Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, Alonzo Mourning, T.I., Keyshia Cole, Da Brat, DJ Toomp, Jazze Pha, Mike Epps, Polow Da Don, and Devyne Stephens.[78] Jeezy distributed bikes, video games, and toys to local children, reinforcing the bond between the city’s hip-hop elite and the working-class neighborhoods that supported them.[79]

Chapter 5: Weathering the Storms

Despite its glamorous reputation, the facility was still subject to the infrastructural realities of an aging urban corridor. In July 2009, reporter Ty Tagami documented a massive 53-year-old water main rupture.[80] The break sent a deluge of water rushing through the area, severely flooding the adjacent Word of Life Outreach Ministries church and sending floodwaters directly into the Cascade Family Skating property.[81] The incident required significant cleanup and highlighted the vulnerability of the local municipal infrastructure.

The neighborhood also grappled with the persistent threat of urban crime. In February 2019, journalist J.D. Capelouto reported an early morning shooting in the parking lot outside the rink at approximately 12:15 a.m.[82] While a woman’s car was damaged by gunfire, no injuries were reported in that specific incident.[83] However, it served as a grim precursor to a much larger tragedy that would soon devastate the community.

The rink also navigated complex legal and financial hurdles. In April 2018, legal notices published in the Atlanta Voice indicated that Cascade Family Skating, LLC was involved as a mortgage holder in local property foreclosure proceedings, reflecting the intricate business operations required to maintain a massive commercial footprint in Southwest Atlanta.[84]

Chapter 6: The Tragedy of Deshon DuBose and the Year of the Youth

The darkest chapter in the history of the rink occurred on the night of January 21, 2023. Deshon DuBose, a 13-year-old seventh grader at Drew Charter School, was spending his Saturday evening at the skating rink.[85] Described by his classmates and family as a “gentle giant” who was wise beyond his years, Deshon was a beloved member of his community.[86] As he was leaving the facility around 11:15 p.m., a dispute broke out between two groups in the area.[87] Gunfire erupted, and the young teenager was fatally struck.[88]

The murder of an innocent child outside a cherished community landmark sent shockwaves of grief and fury through Southwest Atlanta. The tragedy ignited intense debates regarding public safety and the responsibilities of local businesses. During a subsequent City Council meeting, reporter Wilborn P. Nobles III documented the raw anguish of the neighborhood. Resident Dexter Maben stated that he had cried watching the young boy die and demanded accountability, declaring that the skating rink no longer belonged in their community.[89] The emotional fallout highlighted the painful friction between the rink’s status as a cultural haven and the desperate need for neighborhood security. In August 2023, a 16-year-old suspect pleaded not guilty to murder charges in connection with the shooting.[90]

The death of Deshon DuBose became a major catalyst for municipal action. In direct response to the shooting, Mayor Andre Dickens officially declared 2023 the “Year of the Youth,” launching a comprehensive citywide initiative to curb violence and provide resources for teenagers.[91] The tragedy also spurred local columnists, including Nedra Rhone, to plead for sensible gun laws, citing the heartbreaking loss of potential that occurred on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.[92]

In a powerful display of reclamation and healing, Mayor Dickens returned to Cascade Family Skating in January 2024. He gathered hundreds of young Atlantans at the rink to celebrate the continuation of the “Year of the Youth” initiatives, deliberately utilizing the space where the tragedy occurred to foster joy, unity, and a commitment to the city’s next generation.[93]

Chapter 7: A Political and Cultural Touchstone

As the facility moved into the 2020s, its status as a foundational civic institution was fully cemented. The rink was officially recognized by local media in January 2021 as an “iconic musical touchstone” for the state of Georgia, a necessary pilgrimage site for anyone wishing to understand the history of Southern hip-hop and R&B.[94]

Because of its deep connection to the Black electorate of Southwest Atlanta, the rink became a mandatory stop for political campaigns. In September 2022, journalist Patricia Murphy reported that United States Senator Raphael Warnock utilized the facility as a campaign staging ground, greeting voters and supporters directly outside the rink’s entrance during his highly publicized reelection bid.[95] Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms also utilized the rink’s prestige, pointing to the crowds she garnered at Cascade during the city’s 404 Day celebrations to push back against claims of spotty local support during her May 2026 campaign efforts.[96] This political engagement continued in October 2024, when voting rights advocates hosted a massive “Roll to the Polls” event at the Black-owned business to drive early voting turnout in the community.[97]

The corporate entertainment world also continued to leverage the rink’s authentic cultural cachet. In January 2024, reporter DeAsia Paige documented that Marvel hosted an immersive, invite-only event at Cascade to promote the second season of the animated series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. Executive producer Steve Loter praised the venue, noting that the magic of the show aligned perfectly with the unique magic of the skating culture.[98] The following year, in November 2025, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) unveiled a custom-designed bus celebrating the 25th anniversary of Outkast’s legendary album Stankonia. The green-decaled bus was slated to travel for a year on Route 83 Campbellton Road, the very corridor where Outkast first auditioned for producer Rico Wade in 1992. The unveiling ceremony was naturally held at a massive skate party at Cascade, perfectly merging the city’s transit infrastructure with its musical heritage. Outkast collaborators C-Bone and Slimm Calhoun attended the event, with C-Bone noting it was a privilege to be part of the celebration and wishing they had a bus like that when they were touring. Local skaters Kamille Gilyard and Sydney Bryant praised the group’s timeless music, noting that Outkast provided the perfect soundtrack for roller skating.[99]

The rink also continued to host massive cultural reunions and inclusive celebrations. In July 2019, the Atlanta Voice reported that the facility hosted the “Da Real Skate Key vs Rink Reunion,” a massive party honoring legendary rinks like Skate Key, Empire, and Red Wing, featuring music by The Great Show DJ SNS and DJ Freedom, with special invited guests Lord TARIQ and Peter Gunz.[100] In August 2023, the City of Atlanta officially hosted a “Hip Hop 50 Skate Day” at Cascade, honoring the genre’s half-century milestone at the very venue that helped cultivate its Southern sound.[101] In June 2026, the rink hosted the “Pride Glide,” an event organized by ALT ATL and Lavender Lounge to celebrate Pride Month, featuring a snack bar, two full bars, and music for a $28.18 admission fee.[102]

Chapter 8: Legacy and the 25th Anniversary

The history of the rink was formally documented and celebrated during this era. In September 2025, a full-length documentary detailing the story of Cascade Skating Rink, titled “In The Black: Legacy of Legends,” was released, directed by Tabius McCoy.[103], [104] The rink celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025. On March 22, 2025, the facility hosted a Customer Appreciation Day from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering free entry, free skating, and free food to the community that had supported it for a quarter of a century.[105] The following year, on March 28, 2026, during the 26th Anniversary Celebration of Cascade, the City of Atlanta presented a Special Recognition Award to Greg Alexander. Councilmember Andrea L. Boone attended the ceremony to honor Alexander’s vision and the legacy he built for the city.[106]

The physical history of the building also became a coveted commodity. In April 2024, the rink underwent renovations and offered patrons the opportunity to purchase pieces of the original 15,000-square-foot maple wood floor. Marketed as a chance to own a piece of Atlanta and Black history, the pre-orders allowed skaters to take home the very wood where movies were filmed and memories were made.[107]

The rink’s status as a cultural monument was further solidified on October 30, 2025, when it hosted a massive, free party to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Outkast’s Grammy-winning album Stankonia.[108] The event, curated by journalist Christopher A. Daniel, ran from 7:00 p.m. to midnight and was restricted to skaters 21 and older.[109], [110] The celebration featured special guest DJs, prizes, and an energetic reflection of the music and visual archive of the era.[111], [112] Outkast also commemorated the anniversary by giving back to the community, hosting a “So Fresh, So Green” electronics drive with the recycling center Live Thrive the day prior at the Headland Delowe Shopping Center.[113] The event drew local icons, including Mayor Andre Dickens and Greg Alexander, who emphasized how the duo’s music synced perfectly with skating rhythms.[114] Reflecting on the journey, Big Boi shared his amazement at the group’s trajectory, noting the MARTA bus tribute and their impending induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 8, 2025.[115], [116] When asked if it felt like 25 years had passed, Big Boi laughed and replied, “Does it feel like 25 years? No. No.”[117]

Today, the rink continues to operate as a vibrant community space. During the Labor Day weekend of 2026, Cascade hosted a full slate of events from September 4 through September 7. The schedule included Family Sessions, Late Night Adult Skates, Sip ‘n Skate parties, and the “1st College Skate Party” on September 3. Admission prices ranged from twelve to fifteen dollars, with skate rentals holding steady at five dollars. The neon sign continues to light up Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, signaling that the music is playing and the floor is open.[118]

Conclusion

Cascade Family Skating is far more than a 33,000-square-foot building with a maple wood floor. It is a living, breathing archive of modern Atlanta. Built to fill a recreational void in 1996, it evolved into a sanctuary of Black joy, a backdrop for cinematic history, and a vital forum for political and civic engagement. It has hosted the highest echelons of celebrity royalty and weathered the deepest depths of community grief. Today, the rink stands as an enduring testament to the cultural power and resilience of the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive corridor.

Related Reading:

Footnotes & Citations (Click to Expand)
Citations:
  1. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  2. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  3. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  4. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  5. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  6. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  7. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  8. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  9. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  10. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  11. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  12. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  13. S.A. Reid, “Skating plans rolling along in Atlanta,” The Atlanta Constitution, October 31, 1996, 129. ↑
  14. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  15. S.A. Reid, “Skating plans rolling along in Atlanta,” The Atlanta Constitution, October 31, 1996, 129. ↑
  16. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  17. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  18. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  19. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  20. Official Public Statement, The Atlanta Voice, August 22, 2025. ↑
  21. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  22. S.A. Reid, “Skating plans rolling along in Atlanta,” The Atlanta Constitution, October 31, 1996, 129. ↑
  23. 11Alive News, “Inside Cascade Skating Rink,” Video Broadcast, 2018. ↑
  24. S.A. Reid, “Skating plans rolling along in Atlanta,” The Atlanta Constitution, October 31, 1996, 129. ↑
  25. S.A. Reid, “Skating plans rolling along in Atlanta,” The Atlanta Constitution, October 31, 1996, 129. ↑
  26. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  27. S.A. Reid, “Skating plans rolling along in Atlanta,” The Atlanta Constitution, October 31, 1996, 129. ↑
  28. “Wanted: Friendly faces for Ambassador Force,” The Atlanta Constitution, May 25, 2000, 180. ↑
  29. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  30. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  31. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  32. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  33. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  34. Karys Belger, “‘It’s generational’ | Here’s the history behind Atlanta’s Black roller skating community,” WXIA-TV 11Alive, February 28, 2023. ↑
  35. Karys Belger, “‘It’s generational’ | Here’s the history behind Atlanta’s Black roller skating community,” WXIA-TV 11Alive, February 28, 2023. ↑
  36. Karys Belger, “‘It’s generational’ | Here’s the history behind Atlanta’s Black roller skating community,” WXIA-TV 11Alive, February 28, 2023. ↑
  37. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  38. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  39. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  40. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  41. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  42. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  43. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  44. “Best Bets,” The Atlanta Journal, January 6, 2001, 40. ↑
  45. “Atlanta Today,” The Atlanta Constitution, January 8, 2001, 35. ↑
  46. Jon Waterhouse, “Extra Servings of Fun Stuffing,” The Atlanta Constitution, November 27, 2003, P34. ↑
  47. “Transplant candidates often must raise own money,” The Atlanta Constitution, November 17, 2002, L4. ↑
  48. “Transplant candidates often must raise own money,” The Atlanta Constitution, November 17, 2002, L4. ↑
  49. “Yard sale to benefit transplant patient,” The Atlanta Constitution, May 17, 2006, E9. ↑
  50. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  51. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  52. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  53. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  54. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  55. Richard L. Eldredge, “Peach Buzz: Boyfriend has secret life he’s not sharing with you,” The Atlanta Constitution, September 2, 2002, E2. ↑
  56. Richard L. Eldredge, “Peach Buzz: Boyfriend has secret life he’s not sharing with you,” The Atlanta Constitution, September 2, 2002, E2. ↑
  57. Richard L. Eldredge, “Peach Buzz: Boyfriend has secret life he’s not sharing with you,” The Atlanta Constitution, September 2, 2002, E2. ↑
  58. Richard L. Eldredge, “Peach Buzz: Boyfriend has secret life he’s not sharing with you,” The Atlanta Constitution, September 2, 2002, E2. ↑
  59. Historical archives regarding “1, 2 Step” music video production. ↑
  60. “Dance: Music videos make stripper moves all the craze,” The Atlanta Constitution, June 9, 2005, F9. ↑
  61. Bob Longino, “ATL on wheels,” The Atlanta Constitution, September 15, 2005, F1. ↑
  62. “City: No ‘GWTW’ role, but plenty of screen time,” The Atlanta Constitution, March 30, 2006, C8. ↑
  63. “City: No ‘GWTW’ role, but plenty of screen time,” The Atlanta Constitution, March 30, 2006, C8. ↑
  64. Bob Longino, “ATL on wheels,” The Atlanta Constitution, September 15, 2005, F1. ↑
  65. “I feel good. As long as I can work, I will,” The Atlanta Constitution, April 19, 2026, E5. ↑
  66. “I feel good. As long as I can work, I will,” The Atlanta Constitution, April 19, 2026, E5. ↑
  67. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  68. Laura Nwogu, “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade,” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025. ↑
  69. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  70. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  71. In The Black, “Legends of Legacy: Cascade,” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025. ↑
  72. Bob Longino and Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, “Roller-skate on over for ‘ATL’ red carpet,” The Atlanta Constitution, March 17, 2006, H2. ↑
  73. TMZ Staff, “Usher Laced Up his Wheels and Roller Skated in Atlanta!,” TMZ, May 20, 2017. ↑
  74. TMZ Staff, “Usher Laced Up his Wheels and Roller Skated in Atlanta!,” TMZ, May 20, 2017. ↑
  75. 11Alive News, “Inside Cascade Skating Rink,” Video Broadcast, 2018. ↑
  76. Mike Benzie, “Stars shine at Young Jeezy’s kids’ benefit,” The Atlanta Constitution, December 20, 2007, D2. ↑
  77. Mike Benzie, “Stars shine at Young Jeezy’s kids’ benefit,” The Atlanta Constitution, December 20, 2007, D2. ↑
  78. Mike Benzie, “Stars shine at Young Jeezy’s kids’ benefit,” The Atlanta Constitution, December 20, 2007, D2. ↑
  79. Ty Tagami, “DeKalb ends investigation of shooting by officer,” The Atlanta Constitution, July 14, 2009, B3. ↑
  80. Ty Tagami, “DeKalb ends investigation of shooting by officer,” The Atlanta Constitution, July 14, 2009, B3. ↑
  81. J.D. Capelouto, “Shots fired outside Cascade Skating Rink, no one hurt,” The Atlanta Constitution, February 19, 2019, B3. ↑
  82. J.D. Capelouto, “Shots fired outside Cascade Skating Rink, no one hurt,” The Atlanta Constitution, February 19, 2019, B3. ↑
  83. “Mortgage foreclosures,” Atlanta Voice, April 13, 2018, 13. ↑
  84. Alexis Stevens, “Across metro area, families grieve those killed,” The Atlanta Constitution, July 16, 2023, A16. ↑
  85. Alexis Stevens, “Across metro area, families grieve those killed,” The Atlanta Constitution, July 16, 2023, A16. ↑
  86. “Atlanta’s 2023 homicide victims,” The Atlanta Constitution, July 16, 2023, A15. ↑
  87. “13-year-old shot to death while leaving skating rink,” The Atlanta Constitution, January 24, 2023, A2. ↑
  88. Wilborn P. Nobles III, “Speakers air anger after boy is killed,” The Atlanta Constitution, January 25, 2023, A4. ↑
  89. “Teen pleads not guilty in January shooting death of 13-year-old at Atlanta skating rink,” The Atlanta Constitution, August 10, 2023, A2. ↑
  90. Alexis Stevens, “Mayor launches ‘Year of the Youth’,” The Atlanta Constitution, January 31, 2023, A4. ↑
  91. Nedra Rhone, “Kids know we need sensible gun laws,” The Atlanta Constitution, February 2, 2023, C1. ↑
  92. Riley Bunch, “Inside City Hall,” The Atlanta Constitution, January 9, 2024, A8. ↑
  93. “Iconic musical touchstones extend across state,” The Atlanta Constitution, January 22, 2021, D5. ↑
  94. Patricia Murphy, “Warnock on the trail: Affable, not on attack,” The Atlanta Constitution, September 28, 2022, A5. ↑
  95. “Bottoms bets statewide appeal will outweigh skepticism on home turf,” The Atlanta Constitution, May 17, 2026, A5. ↑
  96. Michelle Baruchman, “Groups take creative measures to get Georgians to the polls,” The Atlanta Constitution, October 24, 2024, A11. ↑
  97. DeAsia Paige, “Marvel universe, Atlanta’s rich skating culture collide,” The Atlanta Constitution, January 31, 2024, C1. ↑
  98. Christopher A. Daniel, “‘Stankonia’ gets a MARTA bus for its 25th anniversary,” The Atlanta Constitution, November 2, 2025, B2. ↑
  99. “Da Real Skate Key vs Rink Reunion Skate Party,” Atlanta Voice, June 28, 2019, 12. ↑
  100. “50 years of hip-hop,” The Atlanta Constitution, August 4, 2023, A14. ↑
  101. “Pride Month events you can’t miss this June in Atlanta,” The Atlanta Constitution, June 6, 2026, C1. ↑
  102. Official Public Statement, The Atlanta Voice, August 22, 2025. ↑
  103. BlackPressUSA, “Legacy of Legends: Cascade Skating Rink,” September 8, 2025. ↑
  104. Cascade Skating Rink Official Archives, March 21, 2025. ↑
  105. Cascade Skating Rink Official Archives, March 28, 2026. ↑
  106. Cascade Skating Rink Official Archives, April 25, 2024. ↑
  107. Zachary Bynum, “Outkast celebrating 25 years of ‘Stankonia’ with free party at Atlanta’s iconic Cascade skating rink,” CBS Atlanta, October 21, 2025. ↑
  108. Zachary Bynum, “Outkast celebrating 25 years of ‘Stankonia’ with free party at Atlanta’s iconic Cascade skating rink,” CBS Atlanta, October 21, 2025. ↑
  109. Jennifer Eggleston, “OutKast and Cascade Skating Rink Celebrated 25 Years of Influence in Atlanta,” Power 98, November 4, 2025. ↑
  110. Zachary Bynum, “Outkast celebrating 25 years of ‘Stankonia’ with free party at Atlanta’s iconic Cascade skating rink,” CBS Atlanta, October 21, 2025. ↑
  111. Jennifer Eggleston, “OutKast and Cascade Skating Rink Celebrated 25 Years of Influence in Atlanta,” Power 98, November 4, 2025. ↑
  112. Zachary Bynum, “Outkast celebrating 25 years of ‘Stankonia’ with free party at Atlanta’s iconic Cascade skating rink,” CBS Atlanta, October 21, 2025. ↑
  113. Jennifer Eggleston, “OutKast and Cascade Skating Rink Celebrated 25 Years of Influence in Atlanta,” Power 98, November 4, 2025. ↑
  114. Zachary Bynum, “Outkast celebrating 25 years of ‘Stankonia’ with free party at Atlanta’s iconic Cascade skating rink,” CBS Atlanta, October 21, 2025. ↑
  115. Jennifer Eggleston, “OutKast and Cascade Skating Rink Celebrated 25 Years of Influence in Atlanta,” Power 98, November 4, 2025. ↑
  116. Jennifer Eggleston, “OutKast and Cascade Skating Rink Celebrated 25 Years of Influence in Atlanta,” Power 98, November 4, 2025. ↑
  117. Cascade Skating Rink Official Archives, August-September 2026. ↑
Comprehensive Bibliography (Click to Expand)
  • 11Alive News. “Inside Cascade Skating Rink.” Video Broadcast, 2018.
  • Atlanta Voice. “Da Real Skate Key vs Rink Reunion Skate Party.” June 28, 2019, 12.
  • Atlanta Voice. “Mortgage foreclosures.” April 13, 2018, 13.
  • Baruchman, Michelle. “Groups take creative measures to get Georgians to the polls.” The Atlanta Constitution, October 24, 2024, A11.
  • Belger, Karys. “‘It’s generational’ | Here’s the history behind Atlanta’s Black roller skating community.” WXIA-TV 11Alive, February 28, 2023.
  • Benzie, Mike. “Stars shine at Young Jeezy’s kids’ benefit.” The Atlanta Constitution, December 20, 2007, D2.
  • BlackPressUSA. “Legacy of Legends: Cascade Skating Rink.” September 8, 2025.
  • Bunch, Riley. “Inside City Hall.” The Atlanta Constitution, January 9, 2024, A8.
  • Bynum, Zachary. “Outkast celebrating 25 years of ‘Stankonia’ with free party at Atlanta’s iconic Cascade skating rink.” CBS Atlanta, October 21, 2025.
  • Capelouto, J.D. “Shots fired outside Cascade Skating Rink, no one hurt.” The Atlanta Constitution, February 19, 2019, B3.
  • Cascade Skating Rink Official Archives. March 21, 2025; March 28, 2026; April 25, 2024; August-September 2026.
  • Daniel, Christopher A. “‘Stankonia’ gets a MARTA bus for its 25th anniversary.” The Atlanta Constitution, November 2, 2025, B2.
  • Eggleston, Jennifer. “OutKast and Cascade Skating Rink Celebrated 25 Years of Influence in Atlanta.” Power 98, November 4, 2025.
  • Eldredge, Richard L. “Peach Buzz: Boyfriend has secret life he’s not sharing with you.” The Atlanta Constitution, September 2, 2002, E2.
  • Historical archives regarding “1, 2 Step” music video production.
  • In The Black. “Legends of Legacy: Cascade.” Documentary Video, September 8, 2025.
  • Longino, Bob. “ATL on wheels.” The Atlanta Constitution, September 15, 2005, F1.
  • Longino, Bob, and Eleanor Ringel Gillespie. “Roller-skate on over for ‘ATL’ red carpet.” The Atlanta Constitution, March 17, 2006, H2.
  • Murphy, Patricia. “Warnock on the trail: Affable, not on attack.” The Atlanta Constitution, September 28, 2022, A5.
  • Murray, Sonia. “Ciara’s sunny during soggy day on the set.” The Atlanta Constitution, February 17, 2005, P5.
  • Nobles, Wilborn P., III. “Speakers air anger after boy is killed.” The Atlanta Constitution, January 25, 2023, A4.
  • Nwogu, Laura. “25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade.” The Atlanta Voice, April 10, 2025.
  • Official Public Statement. The Atlanta Voice, August 22, 2025.
  • Paige, DeAsia. “Marvel universe, Atlanta’s rich skating culture collide.” The Atlanta Constitution, January 31, 2024, C1.
  • Reid, S.A. “Skating plans rolling along in Atlanta.” The Atlanta Constitution, October 31, 1996, 129.
  • Rhone, Nedra. “Kids know we need sensible gun laws.” The Atlanta Constitution, February 2, 2023, C1.
  • Stevens, Alexis. “Across metro area, families grieve those killed.” The Atlanta Constitution, July 16, 2023, A16.
  • Stevens, Alexis. “Mayor launches ‘Year of the Youth’.” The Atlanta Constitution, January 31, 2023, A4.
  • Tagami, Ty. “DeKalb ends investigation of shooting by officer.” The Atlanta Constitution, July 14, 2009, B3.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “13-year-old shot to death while leaving skating rink.” January 24, 2023, A2.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “2023 saw improvements in homicide rates.” January 21, 2024, A9.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “50 years of hip-hop.” August 4, 2023, A14.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Atlanta Today.” January 8, 2001, 35.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Atlanta’s 2023 homicide victims.” July 16, 2023, A15.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Bottoms bets statewide appeal will outweigh skepticism on home turf.” May 17, 2026, A5.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Ciara.” September 29, 2024, E8.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “City: No ‘GWTW’ role, but plenty of screen time.” March 30, 2006, C8.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Dance: Music videos make stripper moves all the craze.” June 9, 2005, F9.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Former officer wants murder case moved.” January 24, 2023, A8.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “GO GUIDE.” December 30, 2016, D4.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Home Sales in Atlanta.” January 20, 2000, 97.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “I feel good. As long as I can work, I will.” April 19, 2026, E5.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Iconic musical touchstones extend across state.” January 22, 2021, D5.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “ITA men’s team wins regional tennis title.” August 5, 2004, JE10.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “PRESERVING HIP-HOP HISTORY.” December 9, 2023, A5.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Pride Month events you can’t miss this June in Atlanta.” June 6, 2026, C1.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Teen pleads not guilty in January shooting death of 13-year-old at Atlanta skating rink.” August 10, 2023, A2.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Transplant candidates often must raise own money.” November 17, 2002, L4.
  • The Atlanta Constitution. “Wanted: Friendly faces for Ambassador Force.” May 25, 2000, 180.
  • The Atlanta Journal. “Best Bets.” January 6, 2001, 40.
  • TMZ Staff. “Usher Laced Up his Wheels and Roller Skated in Atlanta!” TMZ, May 20, 2017.
  • Waterhouse, Jon. “Extra Servings of Fun Stuffing.” The Atlanta Constitution, November 27, 2003, P34.
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