The Rhythmic Revolution: An Interview with Jimi Lightinin Hawk, Founder of Nu Skate Nation
Guy getting ready to enjoy himself within the harmony of rollerskating
By Tommy Lightfoot
In the world of movement, music, and healing, few voices resonate as deeply as Jimi Lightinin Hawk. A veteran turned visionary, Hawk has channeled his life experiences into the creation of Nu Skate Nation, a movement that redefines roller skating as a transformative force for wellness, community building, and consciousness expansion. After serving in the military and facing health challenges upon retirement, Hawk discovered that skating was more than just a pastime—it was a pathway to healing.
In this exclusive interview, we dive into his journey, the philosophy behind Nu Skate Nation, and the innovative ways this initiative is making an impact—from working with veterans to engaging schools and bringing joy to senior communities through the Block Party Initiative.
Q: Jimi, can you share your journey from military service to founding Nu Skate Nation?
Jimi Lightinin Hawk: Absolutely. After I retired from the Army, I faced a series of health challenges—both physical and mental. I struggled with joint pain, PTSD, and the mental adjustment to civilian life. Traditional therapy helped, but it wasn’t until I rediscovered skating that I found true relief. The rhythmic movement, the music, the sense of freedom—it was all healing. I started skating every day, and it became my therapy. That’s when I realized I could use this to help others, especially my fellow veterans who might be dealing with similar struggles. So, I founded Nu Skate Nation with the vision of bringing healing through movement, music, and community.
Q: How does skating serve as therapy, especially for veterans?
Jimi Lightinin Hawk: Skating is about more than just exercise; it’s a full-body, mind, and soul experience. The rhythm of rolling creates a meditative state, helping clear the mind. For veterans, movement is crucial to breaking cycles of trauma. Many of us have difficulty reconnecting with society, but when you're in a rink or at an outdoor event, you're surrounded by positive energy, music, and people who support you. We teach veterans how to use skating as a form of Rhythmic Healing, helping them process emotions, regain control of their bodies, and find community again.
Q: Beyond veterans, you're also engaging with schools. How does that work?
Jimi Lightinin Hawk: One of the biggest missions of Nu Skate Nation is working with schools to introduce skating as a conscious movement tool. We believe children should have access to activities that expand their awareness, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. Through our School Skating Festival Initiative, we transform school parking lots into vibrant skating rinks, blending movement with music, fun, and education. Not only does this provide a positive outlet for kids, but it also serves as a fundraiser tool to support school art and sports programs. Twenty percent of our event proceeds go directly to the schools we work with.
Q: What’s next for Nu Skate Nation as it continues to grow?
Jimi Lightinin Hawk: We’re rooting deeper into communities, expanding our reach with more school programs, veteran healing initiatives, and senior engagement events. We’re also developing The College Campus Takeover, bringing pop-up skate experiences to college students, emphasizing fun, freedom, and movement-based wellness. Beyond that, we’re working on integrating skating into retreats and wellness spaces, blending shamanic principles with rhythmic healing to further explore how movement can transform lives.
Q: What do you want people to take away from the Nu Skate Nation philosophy?
Jimi Lightinin Hawk: Movement is medicine. Skating isn’t just a sport or a hobby—it’s a tool for healing, expression, and community-building. Whether you’re a veteran, a student, or someone rediscovering joy later in life, we all deserve to move freely, to heal through rhythm, and to connect through shared experiences. Nu Skate Nation is about creating that space for people to thrive.
Jimi Lightinin Hawk’s Nu Skate Nation is more than just a skating movement—it’s a revolution in healing, connection, and consciousness expansion. Whether through veterans' programs, school fundraisers, or senior block parties, Hawk is proving that wheels on the ground can lead to transformation in ways we never imagined.
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