New Orleans Skaters Roll to the Polls

New Orleans residents traded a traditional trip to the polls for a community skate Wednesday, Oct. 21st, during the Hip Hop Caucus’ Roll to the Polls event.

The Hip Hop Caucus partnered with local skating and transportation organizations to invite residents on a 3.4-Mile Round-Trip Skate from Lafitte Greenway to City Hall to vote early in the Midterm Elections. New Orleans’ early voting period runs from Oct. 20th-27th.

“Although voting is our Civic Duty it can also be a fun gathering of community and friends to cast your vote,” said Mizani Ball, Storytelling and Communications Operations Manager at the Hip Hop Caucus.

Organizers wanted to reach people across different demographics by incorporating activities that appeals to the younger generations, Ball said.

“We wanted to mobilize and educate as many people as possible to get out and vote this Midterm Election while having fun and honoring our culture,” said Kristi Dayemo, the Think 100% Campaigns Manager at the Hip Hop Caucus. “As skaters we know the joy of rolling on wheels and the impact that wheeled sports have on the city’s youth, so it felt like a natural fit.”

Blue Krewe, a local Community-Run Bike-Share Program, provided free ride codes to participants as an additional transportation option.

Bobby Bonsey, Co-Founder of New Orleans Skate School, hoped the event would encourage others to become more involved in their communities.