Encounter Atlanta's renowned figure, the rollerblading, vocal sensation known as 'Beltline Kevin'
In the heart of Atlanta, a vibrant figure named Kevin Randolph, better known as Beltline Kevin, has become a cherished symbol of positivity and unity. He is a regular sight on the BeltLine, the city's 22-mile loop of mixed-use trails, where he rollerblades with a joyful spirit, spreading cheer to the countless visitors who pass by[1].
Beltline Kevin is easily recognisable. He dons iconic red Beats headphones, often serenading the trail with popular tunes, and extends high fives to runners, cyclists, and pedestrians alike, fostering a sense of community and connection[1]. His distinctive style includes rollerblades adorned with rainbow laces and a love-themed t-shirt, reflecting his individuality and message of embracing differences[1].
A mural in his honour has even been created on the BeltLine, a testament to the impact he has on the local community[1]. However, it's important to note that another Kevin, the Vice President of Economic Development for the Atlanta BeltLine, should not be confused with our rollerblading icon[2].
Beltline Kevin's fame has extended beyond the BeltLine, with TikTok and Instagram users regularly recording their encounters and sharing them on their platforms[3]. His videos have garnered millions of views, with one reaching an impressive 3 million[3]. Celebrity barber Victor Fontanez, aka VicBlends, is another familiar face on the BeltLine, known for his inspiring videos, including giving free haircuts to strangers[4].
Originally from Chicago, Beltline Kevin has become an icon not just on the BeltLine, but also on social media[5]. He took up rollerblading during the pandemic as a way to stay active[6]. His daily routine now includes spending two to three hours rollerblading, covering over 300 miles a week[6].
Beltline Kevin's repertoire of songs ranges from Celine Dion to Gwen Stefani and Miley Cyrus[7], and he recently added singing to his routine to help reduce tension after the quarantine[8]. Local business owners affectionately refer to him as "Mr. Beltline"[9].
The BeltLine, once former railway corridors, has been transformed into a bustling hub, lined with parks, shops, restaurants, and public art[10]. It attracts over 2 million visitors each year[11]. TikTok user tara.abdi even posted a video of herself waving to Beltline Kevin as he passed by singing[3]. Another TikTok account, _kaydani, posted a video of Beltline Kevin with overlaying text that says: "What's the beltline without running into the beltline king?"[3].
Jack Naunau has also found fame on TikTok for his recommendations of BeltLine shops and restaurants[12]. Artist Matthew Jerome Simpson painted a Beltline Kevin mural on a pillar next to the trail[1]. Beltline Kevin's background is as interesting as his present life. He holds an undergraduate degree in computer science and a master's in math education[13]. Before becoming the beloved figure he is today, he was a middle school teacher and taught courses in the Navy[14].
In a world that often seems divided, Beltline Kevin stands as a beacon of unity and joy, reminding us all of the power of a smile, a song, and a high five.
- Beltline Kevin's style reflects his message of embracing differences, as seen in his rollerblades adorned with rainbow laces and his love-themed t-shirt.
- Popular tunes filling the air as Beltline Kevin serenades the BeltLine trail with his Beats headphones are often accompanied by his high fives to passing runners, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- The impact Beltline Kevin has on the local community is evident, with a mural in his honor being painted on the BeltLine.
- In addition to Beltline Kevin, another familiar face on the BeltLine is celebrity barber Victor Fontanez, known for his inspiring videos and free haircuts for strangers.
- Originating from Chicago, Beltline Kevin's fame extends beyond the BeltLine, earning him an iconic status not just on Atlanta's BeltLine, but also on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- During the pandemic, Beltline Kevin took up rollerblading as a way to stay active and now spends two to three hours rollerblading daily, covering over 300 miles a week.
- Beltline Kevin's repertoire of songs ranges from Celine Dion to Gwen Stefani and Miley Cyrus, with his latest addition being himself singing to reduce tension after the quarantine.
- Local business owners affectionately refer to Beltline Kevin as "Mr. Beltline," recognizing his role in the community.
- The BeltLine, a once abandoned railway corridor, has been transformed into a vibrant hub of parks, shops, restaurants, and public art, attracting over 2 million visitors each year and becoming a cultural symbol of unity and joy, with Beltline Kevin at its heart.
