When I first moved to Berkeley as a teenager, one of my first friends was Max aka
@ima_fuckin_genius . We connected because we were part of a small group of Black skateboarders, and his mother Karen treated all us dirty skateboard boys like we were her own kids. She drove us to skateparks every week, always had snacks ready, and somehow managed to be the perfect balance of caring, patient, and easygoing with a car full of loud skater boys.
One of my favorite memories was when Max and I were obsessed with Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff.” There’s a part near the end where the music gets quiet before building back up. Right before Fred Durst screams, “BREAK YOUR F***IN FACE TONIGHT,” Karen looked right at me and said, “Monster… say it.”
Now normally I would NEVER curse in front of somebody’s mom, but Karen gave me permission lol.
So I screamed at the top of my lungs:
“BREAK YOUR EFFIN FACE TONIGHT! GIVE ME SOMETHING TO BREAK!”
The entire car erupted. All us skater boys started headbanging and yelling “GIVE ME SOMETHING TO BREAK!” — and Karen was right there with us laughing and rocking out too.
At that moment, I knew my relationship with that family was going to be different.
Karen helped make my childhood special in ways I’ll never forget. The rides, the snacks, the skateparks, the laughter — even now, every time I drive through Berkeley and pass Talbot Street, I think about those days.
Heaven gained a beautiful angel, and I’ll always be grateful for the memories she gave us.
You’re going to be deeply missed, Karen.
Love,
Monster
If anybody is able to help Max and the family during this incredibly difficult time, please consider donating to the GoFundMe to help with expenses. Truly, any amount helps and is deeply appreciated- link in BIO
