Detroit Connection was founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1994 by Venesta Jones and co-founded by Cleo George and Pat Byrd who have retired. Venesta was inspired by Vanessa Poindexter who organized the very first skating party in Chicago. It was such an inspiration to see “Old School” skaters from across the US participate in Chicago’s skating party. It was exciting to see people have so much fun at a sport that has been in existence for decades. As a result of attending Chicago’s very first skating party, Venesta felt this was a trend that should be held annually in Detroit. Venesta approached Cleo George and Pat Byrd with the idea and from this a partnership was formed.

Detroit Connection hosted their very first major skating party in October 1994. A renewed and rekindled spirit and interest was sparked from skaters who attended several sessions per week to even those skaters whose skates may have been gathering dust in recent years. From this event, a national roller skating network was born which has grown to approximately 15 clubs/organizations in major cities from coast to coast.
Detroit is a city well known for its roller skaters and has historically given one of the biggest and best celebrations each year. Cleo George felt Detroit Connection should have a complete weekend of activities for skaters and therefore came up with the idea of having a skater’s ball during the skating weekend. The first ball was held at St. Georges Hall in October 1996. There were over 300 people in attendance.

Detroit Connection sponsored a number of highly successful roller skating events, playing host to hundreds of avid enthusiasts from around the country. A policy of providing the highest level of customer satisfaction was established from inception. Detroit Connection gained increasingly solid support year after year. The overwhelming response and support of events have capsulated enjoyment of our patrons. Providing high quality events is essential and paramount to the ongoing work of serving the community.
Detroit Connection has sponsored several charity fundraising picnics to assist the needy. Bus trips were sponsored to support the skating functions of other clubs.

In 2002, Detroit Connection saw a new vision and changed its name to Detroit Connection Now. Wanda Harris joined the group as its newest member in 2004. Wanda’s support and guidance will allow Detroit Connection Now to continue to host one of the biggest and well-attended skating events each year. Although Cleo George has retired, special thanks goes out to him for his continued support.

DETROIT CONNECTION NOW WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF OUR PATRONS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT THROUGH THE YEARS