Danielle ‘Skate Boss’ Barnett Inspires Lowcountry Kids through Skating
In North Charleston, South Carolina, Danielle Barnett, affectionately known as ‘Skate Boss,’ is inspiring kids to persevere and embrace the outdoors. Enthusiasm and skill lace up in her roller skates, a passion that has driven her since she was only eight years old and growing up in the projects of Washington, D.C.
Skating: A Lifelong Passion Turned Mission
The city had built a skating rink at Anacostia Park, which became Barnett’s sanctuary and stress-relief spot whenever her mother was able to spare time. Fast forward, and that early foundation has propelled her into making a difference in the Lowcountry community.
After serving in the Air Force and moving to Charleston, Barnett realized the lack of recreational activities for children in the area. As such, her love for skating transformed into a higher calling. “I really asked God to show me what I can do to help and have fun too,” Barnett said.
In 2021, she started sharing her passion for skating, her collection boasting around 70 pairs of skates. She aimed to prompt the youth to interact with the outdoors more and engage in something that taught structure, balance and groundedness.
Skate Boss: Changing Lives One Skate at a Time
Whether community events or parties, Barnett, as the Skate Boss, provides skates, lays a smooth surface, and fills the aesthetic with her signature groove. Her mission is to offer a positive environment where children and adults can remain active and confront their fears, one skate at a time.
“I just want to really have an opportunity to give something back,” she said. With benefits to both physical and mental health, skating, according to Barnett, is a safe haven for stress relief and combating obesity. Furthermore, she understands the significance of maintaining good mental health, which she believes skating aids.
“When you’re on those skates, you really don’t have anything to think about but not falling,” she added.
Lessons Beyond the Rink
However, Barnett’s passion project extends beyond teaching skating skills. She’s determined to impart life lessons to her students, emphasizing the importance of resilience. “It’s okay to fall…But make sure that you know when you fall, you can get up. You don’t have to stay down,” Barnett expressed.
This admirable endeavor by the Skate Boss serves as a testament to her perseverance and the lessons she aims to pass onto the next generation of skaters. As she continues to glide through her mission, Barnett hopes to instill greater resilience and zest for life among the youth of Lowcountry, South Carolina.
