A group of skateboarders and skate crews have come together online and in real life to speak out about the ongoing violence affecting Palestinians and to show support under the message “Free Palestine.”
Several skate collectives including Skateruktis, Keep Rolling Project, Melanin Skate Gals and Pals C.I.C, Nefarious Skate Crew, Skate Parlour, and SkatePal have come together to raise awareness, share information, and encourage others to speak up.
Their focus has been on using their platforms to talk about what is happening in Palestine and to stand in solidarity with people who are affected.
On Saturday 11 November 2023, members of this group joined a large march in London that brought together people from many different backgrounds including Muslims, Jews, Christians, atheists, and others.
The turnout was massive, with over a million people showing up across the wider demonstrations in support of a ceasefire and an end to the violence.
Many who attended described it as a deeply emotional moment, being surrounded by so many people calling for peace and an end to the suffering.
For the skateboarders involved, the message has been about more than just showing up on the day.
They have been encouraging ongoing discussion, posting updates, and trying to keep attention on what they describe as decades of conflict and hardship faced by Palestinians.
They also talk about the importance of people staying connected and not turning away from difficult topics just because they feel distant or complicated.
A common theme in their messaging is the idea of looking at history and asking how people respond when similar situations appear in different parts of the world.
They reference past events such as slavery, the Holocaust, apartheid in South Africa, the Bosnian conflict, and the treatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada, using these comparisons to encourage reflection on how people choose to respond when injustice is happening.
At the center of their message is solidarity with Palestinians. They express support for those affected by displacement, violence, and long-standing political conflict, and say they want their voices to be heard.
The tone across their posts is direct and emotional, focusing on recognition of suffering and a call for peace.