Legendary skateboarder Antwuan Dixon appeared at LES Coleman Skatepark underneath the Manhattan Bridge last month as part of the Kingdom Takeover Pro Skate Tour, alongside Nick Merlino, Kenny Hampton, Jud Heald, and more. The iconic skater, who recently debuted a new pro model with FTP and launched a signature clothing line, Blue Haiku, took time to hang and skate with local New Yorkers, carrying his story of salvation with him.
Antwuan Dixon’s story is one of redemption. Dixon rose to the top in the early 2000s as one of the Baker team’s most beloved skateboarders. Lauded for his unmistakable style, Dixon had standout parts in some of the most iconic videos in skateboarding history, including “Baker 3” (2005), and “Baker Has a Deathwish” (2008). He would go on to fight his fair share of battles with alcohol and drug use that eventually culminated in a stint in jail — stemming from charges that included marijuana possession, battery of a police officer, and violation of probation. The skateboarder who once had it all lost his sponsors, and his career as a professional skateboarder slipped away.
However, since his 2016 release from jail, Dixon has been steadily rebuilding. A
Thrasher Magazine documentary released in May chronicles Dixon’s recovery journey. The skater, who is now five years sober, turns to writing, art, and — you guessed it — skateboarding to maintain a path of clarity and growth. As more recent clips of Dixon continue to drop online, it is clear that what Dixon is doing is working: he is skating better than ever, and the in-person and online community has welcomed Dixon home with open arms.
Kids at the skatepark were slapping fives, having conversations, and skating with the skate legend who has been monumentally influential to a younger generation of skaters. Central to Dixon’s journey has been his faith, and the tour stops included prayer in addition to giveaways and demos. Kids could be seen rocking stickers for Dixon’s new clothing brand, Blue Haiku, which recently launched a new line of signature apparel. If Dixon’s story tells us anything, it’s that humans have the power to come back from some pretty dark places — and perhaps that turning to an outlet, whether it be art, faith, skating, or otherwise, can put you on a better path.
Stay up to date with Antwuan Dixon on Instagram at @AntwuanDixon and with Blue Haiku drops at BlueHaiku.us.
