‘It’s UATL’ podcast: How the Black Derby Collective is changing their sport

In May, a team of Black women scored a win for representation in roller derby.

The Black Derby Collective finished in first in this year’s Women’s Flat Track Derby Association regional playoffs. Now the league’s only all-Black squad will compete at the global championship in Sweden this fall.

It’s major win for skaters of color who have been vocal about discrimination on the track and in the roller derby community. Still, BDC’s success is big step toward disrupting the sport’s status quo.

Five members of the BDC are affiliated with Atlanta Roller Derby, including Samantha Flowers aka ThumpHer.

A Philadelphia native, Flowers moved to Atlanta in 2020 for its roller derby community. Eventually, she made her way to BDC and found a team that embraced her individuality.

It’s why Flowers is big on her team’s mission.

“We wanted to have a safe place for all of us to play competitively and to be able to showcase the best of the best,” she said.

Flowers sat down with “It’s UATL” hosts DeAsia Paige, Najja Parker and Nedra Rhone to talk about her journey, inclusion and celebrating her individuality with BDC.

“It feels like home,” Flowers said. “I wanted to be with people who were like me, who weren’t told to stop being so aggressive or to stop hitting hard. These women and these amazing skaters that I get to play with, I trust them 100%.”

Also on this week’s episode

Another week, another update in the world of radio personality Big Tigger. The V-103 host announced that he’s stepping away to focus on personal and legal issues. ICYMI: Tigger was arrested June 20 for alleged aggravated battery against his wife, who was sued for defamation that same month by his co-host.

Keeping on the legal thread, super producer Jermaine Dupri is suing Sony Music Entertainment. JD alleges that the label owes him $18 million royalties for So So Def artists including Xscape and Da Brat, as well as hits by Mariah Carey, Usher and others.

On the subject of legendary musicians with Georgia ties, James Brown’s story could be headed for Broadway. The hosts discuss how Brown’s daughter, Deanna Brown Thomas, and playwright Jeremy E. Cormier are working to bring “James Brown: The Musical” to a stage near you.

Speaking of coming attractions: The Cheetah Girls are back!