our INITIATIVEs
Our mission is executed through four strategic pillars: Mentorship, Unity, Access, and Prosperity. Through these programs, we are leveling the playing field for youth in the African diaspora.
THE IMPACT
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow "on and off the board." By removing the financial barrier of equipment and providing world-class mentorship, we foster confidence and perseverance.
Where the funds go
Equipment Access
We recently secured over $5k in-kind donations of youth-specific gear. These donations are headed to the Shangilia Kenya, a school and children’s home in Kenya, which houses the country’s only skatepark.
Prioritizing Youth
During our SHAPE Naija Tour, we partnered with New Balance to ensure youth-specific sizes were distributed to grow the ecosystem from the ground up. View More.
Athlete Pathways
Your support helped fund Joseph Skywalker’s journey to the Francophone Youth Championship in Benin. His Gold Medal win has qualified him to represent Nigeria at the 2026 Junior Olympics in Senegal. View More
THE IMPACT
Skateboarding is the bridge. We bring people together through dynamic events that celebrate African music, fashion, and art, creating a space for cultural exchange that reaches across the ocean.
Where the funds go
Global Events
Sponsoring "Go Skate Day" events across the diaspora and hosting local competitions for urban youth.
Cultural Platforms
Our Annual Gala serves as a premier exhibition for African creative arts. Donations allow us to bring in talented, inspirational skaters, speakers, and artists from across the diaspora to share their stories.
Pen Pal Programs
We are facilitating a connection between the Howard University Skate Club and students at Shangilia Kenya. Donations from our December Skate Drive are accompanied by handwritten postcards, launching a permanent pen-pal program between the two communities.
THE IMPACT
Access starts with a safe place to ride and the tools to maintain the culture. We are championing inclusive skateparks and helping develop local skate shops to create a self-sustaining industry.
Where the funds go
Safe Spaces
We have funded the sending of skate ramps and construction of obstacles in Uyo, Abuja, and Lagos Nigeria. We also recently secured a dedicated rental space for Uyo skaters to store ramps and session year-round. Your funding helps us expand our efforts to create more DIY safe skate spaces across the African diaspora.
Business Acceleration
We helped launch Guiding Way, a skate shop in Kaduna State. Our team provided logistics consulting, web design, and custom board graphics to get their online store live.
Abuja Skatepark 2026
Our primary focus for November 2026. In partnership with GoSkateNG and Wonders Around the World, we aim to build a world-class park.
Current Priority
Obtaining the funding to secure the land to ensure this project breaks ground this year.
THE IMPACT
Beyond the park, our work creates a pathway to economic empowerment. By hosting international events and supporting elite athletes, we bring new revenue and global attention to local communities.
Where the funds go
Olympic Dreams
We provide critical support for African athletes (starting with Nigeria and expanding across the continent) to compete in Olympic qualifiers, leveling the global playing field.
Skate Tourism
We promote the vibrant African scene by bringing international pros and influencers like TheSkateNomad to highlight local business opportunities and tourism through the SHAPE Skate Tour. View More..
Market Expansion
By professionalizing the sport, we create new job opportunities in coaching, event management, and retail for the local community.
OUR MISSION
The SHAPE Foundation empowers black and brown youth and young adults in the African diaspora and in the U.S. We use skateboarding and the creative arts to build resilient communities, celebrate African culture, and develop the grit and perseverance needed to overcome adversity.
We accomplish this by building skatepark infrastructure, providing skate equipment, sponsoring talented African Olympic athletes, and hosting community-focused events.