Industry News
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their role in U.S. history. Snowboarder, motivational speaker, author, and coach Spencer Conley brought his Freedom Shred to Hilltop Ski Area on Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) weekend. “We are excited to come ski and ride with locals and be a part of the Anchorage community and celebrate MLK on snow,” said Conley. “I want this to be the largest celebration on snow, and Anchorage is the place to make this happen.”
A former pro football player, Spencer Conley, held the third annual Freedom Shred Event at Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage, Alaska, an initiative to make snow sports more inclusive. Conley’s love affair with snowboarding began when he took his first lesson at Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage, Alaska. Conley started snowboarding during COVID-19 and became passionate about the winter sport but quickly learned that not everyone could afford to ski and ride. That’s when he decided to do something about it and teamed up with mountains that would allow him to celebrate Juneteenth and MLK weekend on snow while providing lessons, gear, and affordable lift tickets for anyone wanting to try the sport.
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Conley realized that there was a disparity among persons of color who participated in snowsports when he first learned to snowboard. It gave him the idea to partner with Hilltop to host the Freedom Shred Event, which has become a beacon of hope for underrepresented communities in snow sports. Conley’s goal is to make snow sports accessible to everyone, regardless of background. Conley aims to break down barriers and foster a sense of community by providing a supportive environment. Conley’s main objective is to create someday the largest MLK event on snow, promoting unity and inclusivity. Through the partnership with Spencer and Freedom Shred we were able to get kids and adults on the hill trying snowboarding and skiing that may not have ever had the opportunity. “The event was amazing. Through the partnership with Spencer and Freedom Shred, we were able to get kids and adults on the hill trying snowboarding and skiing that may not have ever had the opportunity,” Robert DeBerry, Marketing and Community Development Manager at Hilltop Ski Area, said in an email to SnowBrains.
Conley also hosts a group of snowboarders and skiers to go to Timberline at Mt. Hood, Oregon, for Juneteenth. The federal holiday, known as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, and Emancipation Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Conley wants to share these experiences with others and encourages people to try snow sports, promoting freedom and inclusivity on the slopes.
As these events continue to grow, Conley remains committed to his mission. Conley’s dedication to the Freedom Shred Event has made a significant impact. The event’s success has also sparked interest from other resorts and organizations. In addition, Conley’s initiative has inspired others to take action. Victoria Gaither, an Emmy Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist, Storyteller, Photojournalist, and Co-organizer of the event, was at Hilltop for ‘Freedom Shred.’ “The MLK Hilltop Freedom Shred event was just one of several over that weekend, but Freedom Shred was different because we honored Dr. King on snow,” Gaithers wrote to SnowBrains in an email.
The weekend also featured the Hoops4Unity event, which brings together kids and law enforcement for a day of basketball and connection. This initiative is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity to foster understanding and build relationships between minority youth and police officers in our community. Kids ages seven through 18 were all welcome. Hoops4Unity’s goal is to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a safe space where young people can engage with law enforcement in a positive environment.
Game participants received a free ski pass to Hilltop to attend ‘Freedom Shred,’ which was a massive hit with everyone. “We also give away free ski passes at the Alaska Black Caucus MLK Baseball Tournament. I was surprised because not only were the kids interested in coming out, but the parents and law enforcement were happy to score the lift tickets,” Gaithers said.
Looking to the future, Conley plans on continuing events like these, which promote unity and inclusivity. He hopes to continue growing Freedom Shred and Juneteeth with the support of Hilltop Ski Area and Timberline. Conley is also looking to expand events to areas around the country, including the Northeast.
Thank you! For holding on to this.