Independence Roll XIV: A Skater’s Reflection By GerryPthaDJ

This past weekend felt like a reunion.

Independence Roll XIV brought out so many familiar faces. Seeing my skate family show up reminded me how deep this culture runs, how long we’ve been in it, and how much we’ve all grown. I’m grateful for every face I got to see, even though I wish I could’ve seen more.

But at some point, you have to call it a night. Responsibility over rhythm. I had work in the morning—and a wife who reminded me of that. They say “Happy Wife, Happy Life.” 

So I took myself home. Didn’t even skate that night. Because these days, I value being safe at home more than just being outside.

Let me tell you a little about where that mindset comes from.

When I served in the U.S. Army, I was the designated driver for our Chaplain. I didn’t ask for the job. I was chosen. The Chaplain told me:

“Specialist, you’re driving the closest thing to God and Jesus in this vehicle. If I trust your driving, you’re good.”

I wasn’t allowed to deploy overseas. Sickle Cell Anemia. I was also my mother’s only son. The Army didn’t want to risk stopping a bloodline. No battlefield. No combat. But don’t get it twisted—I was fully trained in Army Hand-to-Hand Combat. I was stateside, but I was no less ready than anyone else.

That Jeep Wrangler—still my favorite vehicle—became our sanctuary. The Chaplain would hop in, say a quick prayer, and then tell me:

“Drive like you stole it. Just get me there safe.”

Those words stayed with me.

I remember being forced to stay in the CS gas chamber longer than anyone else in my unit. Why? Because I didn’t cough. I sneezed, sure—but it didn’t break me. Maybe they thought I needed more “toughening up.” But I didn’t need to prove anything. I was already built for it.

Truth is, I almost didn’t get into the military at all because of my condition. I had to fight just to serve. And that fight shaped who I am.

That’s why I’m writing a book.

Directions. Coming soon.

A full look at everything I’ve lived, everything I’ve lost, and everything I’ve built.

Special salute to Dr. Nizm for helping bring it to life—and to the Suicide Kings, who know the inside joke behind that name. If you know, you know.

To my Skate Family: I love you all.

I really do.

But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hurting. My blood family still won’t take up skating in honor of me. Not even after what happened on July 3, 2021—the day I nearly died.

I received all the prayers, all the messages, all the “glad you made it” comments. But nothing truly changed.

I pulled up to see my family on July 4. They were happy to see me. But when it came time for my biggest party of my career—none of them came.

Only my wife and kids showed up, and even then, they came by default.

No support. No presence. No real recognition.

That kind of thing stays with you. And it hurts.

Now let’s talk about Chicago.

How did we let someone like Angel Reese come into our city and build a podcast off the wave? She asked the right questions:

“Who is GerryPthaDJ?” 

“What is FAB 94.5 The Hitz?”

“What is Gerry P Entertainment?”

Too Offishall called me during Taste For The Homeless and said we had a situation. Chicago Sky wanted to meet with him at 11:30 AM. They had a game at noon. I told him:

Handle your business. I was already committed to Michael Airhart and standing by that.

Now I’m back outside.

Fully.

I know they tried to kill me.

But God had other plans.

And those plans include me doing right by this city.

The story’s just getting started.

Book coming soon.

Directions.

Stay tuned.