Skate legend Stevie Williams, now known as Lord Williams, grew up skating the streets of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and quickly became one of the most influential names in street skateboarding.
He spent countless hours at LOVE Park, officially John F. Kennedy Plaza, which became a central hub for skaters from around the world. The granite ledges, open plaza, and fountain gap made it the perfect place for experimentation, and Stevie was at the heart of it, helping shape how East Coast skating developed during the 1990s.
By the age of 14, Stevie moved to San Francisco, diving into a completely different scene with its own famous spots like Justin Herman Plaza, known as EMB, and Pier 7. He filmed with top skate companies and appeared in videos for Chocolate, TransWorld, and FTC, among others, connecting with skaters from across the country.
In 2002, Stevie launched Dirty Ghetto Kids, or DGK, turning a phrase tied to his Philadelphia upbringing into a brand that reflects his personality and approach to skating. DGK started small but grew steadily, releasing multiple full-length projects and building a community that celebrates creativity, authenticity, and street skating culture.
Stevie’s story is about more than tricks and videos. It’s about the neighborhoods he grew up in, the spots he helped make famous, and the way he translated those experiences into a brand that resonates with skaters today. The Living Proof New York interview gives fans a closer look at the man behind DGK and the history he helped shape in both Philadelphia and San Francisco.