Snapshot: 9pm Skate Session with an Evanston Teen

The sound of polyurethane crunching on asphalt echoes throughout Downtown Evanston’s alleyways. The source of the noise is Ross ‘Da Boss’ Monzo and his skateboarding crew. In the loading dock parallel to Target’s entrance, he asks another crew member to ready the camera, before landing a switch backside heelflip.

Monzo received his first skateboard in fifth grade. Having already gone through four skateboards in six years, Monzo is deified amongst his buddies. Skating means more to Monzo than just “shredding” though.

“This shit right here, it’s therapy man,” Monzo said with a smile. “I found my family; I found myself.”

Then, Karim Alhamwi, 16, another friend in Monzo’s crew, crashed into a light pole.

“Bro, that’s some high jinks,” Monzo shouted. “High jinks is the crew’s name because we’re about that life!”

Tugging at his oversized, hunter-green, corduroy pants, Monzo ran to Alhamwi and whipped out a customized fingerboard. Monzo proceeded to lay on the salt covered ground. The sub-zero temperatures made no difference to Monzo. He used the fingerboard to show Alhamwi why his attempt at a nollie flip did not land. Once Alhamwi assured Monzo he corrected the mistake, Monzo stood up to examine the trick.

“It’s tough being out here because we all have to teach each other,” Monzo said with a sigh. “Sometimes a homie just wants to have fun, but, up here, there’s no place to skate.”