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26 Years Ago, Kareem Campbell Made History as the First Black Playable Character in 'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater'
In 1999, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater revolutionized skateboarding video games, launching a franchise that would define the genre for decades. Among its legendary lineup of skaters, Kareem Campbell stood out—not just for his smooth style and signature "Ghetto Bird" trick, but for making history as the first and only Black playable character in the original game.
At a time when representation in gaming was scarce, especially in the extreme sports genre, Campbell’s inclusion was groundbreaking. Skateboarding itself has long been a diverse culture, yet mainstream portrayals often centered around white skaters.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater changed that by showcasing an elite group of professionals from different backgrounds, and Campbell’s presence in the roster sent a powerful message—Black skaters had a place in the scene, both in real life and in virtual worlds.
Who Is Kareem Campbell?
Kareem Campbell is a legendary pro skater known for his effortless style and technical mastery. Born in Harlem and raised in Los Angeles, he gained fame in the 1990s for his innovative street skating and laid-back persona. His influence extended beyond the board—Campbell also built a successful business empire, founding City Stars Skateboards and mentoring future generations of skaters.
When Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater debuted, Campbell was already an established name in skate culture. His inclusion in the game introduced him to a whole new audience, cementing his legacy in the digital realm as well.
The Impact of Representation in Gaming
For Black gamers and aspiring skaters, seeing Kareem Campbell in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater was significant. At a time when video games rarely featured Black protagonists—especially in sports outside of basketball and football—Campbell’s presence was a rare and refreshing sight.
His character wasn’t a background extra or an unlockable bonus; he was one of the main selectable skaters, standing alongside icons like Tony Hawk, Chad Muska, and Bob Burnquist.
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Beyond representation, Campbell’s playstyle in the game reflected his real-life skating. His "Ghetto Bird" trick—a stylish hardflip revert—became a signature move in THPS, inspiring players to master the technique both in-game and in real life.
The Legacy of Kareem Campbell in 'THPS'
While later Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater entries expanded their diverse rosters, Campbell remains a fan favorite. He returned in multiple sequels and was even featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, the 2020 remake of the original two games. His continued presence in the series speaks to his lasting impact on skate culture and gaming.
In a 2021 interview with Red Bull, Campbell reflected on his longevity in both skateboarding and gaming. He revealed that in the early days of THPS, he and Chad Muska were among the most popular characters, ranking first and second in player usage for several years.
He also shared his thoughts on the franchise’s evolution, admitting he had doubts when the series leaned too far into gimmicks like shopping carts, which he felt detracted from authentic skateboarding. Despite this, he acknowledged Tony Hawk’s unwavering support and the importance of keeping the game true to the culture.
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Campbell also reminisced about his early impressions of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater in an interview with HYPEBEAST in 2020. As a gamer himself, he was excited about the project from the start, but he wasn’t sure how big it would become.
At the time, Neversoft was still a small studio, and it wasn’t until he visited Activision and saw early demos that he realized the game was becoming a reality. When THPS finally dropped, it took him by surprise how quickly it blew up, expanding his reach beyond skateboarding and turning him into a household name.
Suddenly, even non-gamers recognized him—whether from seeing their kids play or simply hearing his name in pop culture.
His involvement in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 was an easy decision. When Tony Hawk and the team approached him about the remaster, he didn’t hesitate. For Campbell, it was a no-brainer to continue being part of a franchise that had played such a major role in his career and the evolution of skateboarding games.
Conclusion
Looking back 26 years later, Kareem Campbell’s inclusion in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater was more than just a character slot—it was a statement. He paved the way for more diverse representation in extreme sports games and inspired a new generation of skaters and gamers alike.
His legacy endures, reminding us that when it comes to culture—whether on a skateboard or in a video game—representation matters.