At Palisades Tahoe, we believe that celebrating Black History Month goes beyond acknowledgment—it’s about action, community, and representation. This blog post highlights the actions we took this February to celebrate Black History Month. At the same time, we recognize this as part of a broader, ongoing effort—one that we’re equally committed to continuing. Honoring Black leaders and athletes, supporting representation in the ski industry, and fostering meaningful conversations are ongoing efforts. We’re grateful to be part of this work and look forward to continuing it together.
From a day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to a vibrant Community Night filled with music, food, and conversation, here’s how we came together as a team to celebrate Black History Month at Palisades Tahoe.
A Day of Service: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King’s words remind us of the power of service: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” In this spirit, the Palisades Tahoe Inclusion Committee partnered with North Tahoe Truckee Homeless Services (NTTHS) for a week of volunteer opportunities.
Employees stepped up to support NTTHS by preparing and serving meals, but more importantly, they showed up to connect with members of our community who are often overlooked.
One volunteer, Deidre, shared: “While there weren’t a lot of people present the day I volunteered, those who came were incredibly appreciative. One gentleman, a veteran, shared so much knowledge with me. I left feeling inspired and eager to continue helping in any way I can.”
Trenton, another volunteer, echoed this sentiment: “The experience was different than I expected, but meaningful, nonetheless. I plan to keep helping however I can, and I hope NTTHS can find a more permanent space where community members feel safer and more welcome.”
This was just the beginning—Palisades Tahoe has committed to monthly volunteer support at NTTHS and is working on a new partnership with Meals on Wheels to help deliver food in the Truckee area.
Community Night: A Celebration of Black Culture
On February 12, employees gathered at Alpine Lodge for Community Night, an evening dedicated to honoring Black History Month through music, food, and conversation. The Alpine International culinary team created a special menu featuring African and Jamaican-inspired flavors, offering a unique and delicious way to celebrate Black culture.
Adding to the experience, Palisades Tahoe partnered with the Truckee School of Music to bring in live music from the “Breslow-Smith Quartet featuring Charles Unger.” Their performance set the tone for an evening of connection and reflection, making the night a truly special gathering for our team.
Representation Matters: A Spotlight on Black Athletes in Snow Sports
Another highlight of our Black History Month celebrations was a collaboration with pro snowboarder Zeb Powell. Filmed right here at Palisades Tahoe, Zeb shared his perspective on diversity in snow sports, reflecting on his journey and the importance of visibility for future generations of Black riders.
His story, along with the Warren Miller’s 75 segment “Representation Matters”—featuring Selema Masekela, LJ Henriquez, and Zeb himself— shined a light on the future of snowsports participation and the importance of creating more inclusive spaces in the industry.
By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire new generations of riders and reinforce the importance of representation in shaping the future of snow sports.
Continuing the Commitment
Black History Month may be over, but our commitment to inclusion and representation continues year-round. Through ongoing volunteerism, community events, and partnerships that highlight diverse voices in the industry, we are working toward a more inclusive future at Palisades Tahoe.
Thank you to everyone who participated in these events—whether you volunteered, attended Community Night, or took a moment to learn something new. Your engagement helps make Palisades Tahoe a place where everyone belongs.
