SLAYING THE SAYING, ‘BLACK PEOPLE DON’T SKI’
SUNSHINE SLOPERS SKI CLUB CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY
By Kenneth Koonce - The Westside Gazette
Who ever heard of a South Florida ski club? Or even more bizarre, a Black South Florida ski club? Though ostensibly two strikes against even the notion of such a civic and benevolent organization, The Sunshine Slopers Ski Club, Inc. (hereafter ‘Slopers’) has been skiing all over the world since 1989; not to mention offering domestic and international travelling and sightseeing trips as close to home as Naples and Key West and as far away as Norway, Venice, the Swiss Alps and Cairo, Egypt; just to name a few.
The 20th Anniversary Awards Banquet and Dance was held at the Polish American Club in Miami, Fla. on Oct. 24, 2009. Charter member Darlene Gay along with a few recruits had the tables, and even chairs adorned in white and royal blue for the special occasion as each chair had the bow tied from the back.
The evening began with a networking session comprised of many professionals both retired and currently employed.
Slopers’ notoriety throughout the State of Florida was evidenced by anniversary proclamations from many of Florida’s elected officials.
Slopers’ Founder and Past President Stephen Thompson was on hand to give the occasion and recognition of the 4 Charter members still alive (two deceased) that comprised South Florida’s only Black ski club. If the Oct. 24 event was a sandwich; current resident Sam Jackson’s hearty welcome concluding with his warm closing remarks would certainly be bread and butter. Now you might ask, ‘Where’s the beef?’ Or better yet, “Where’s the Beat?”
Enter stage right: DJ Ralph Williams, a veteran Slopers’ member whose smooth dinner sounds were followed by grooves suited for the young and old. Only requirement? Rhythm. And the Slopers’ proved they had plenty of that as they succinctly performed every line dance from the classic “Electric Slide” to the “Macarena” to the “Cupid Shuffle”. So as you can see, the Slopers’ do more than just ski.
And unlike many banquets, the Slopers’ know how to feast. Their buffet included savory beef brisket, chicken breast grilled to perfection, succulent ribs, crunchy green beans and rice pilaf. And to top it off, a sheet cake with strawberry filling and whipped icing. And since there were no slopes in sight, it was the dance floor that provided the exercise for the night.
Adhering to the time-honored African American adage, ‘If on Saturday night you’re going to play, get up on Sunday morning to pray’, the Slopers arose bleary, but in unison on Sunday to attend service at St. Paul AME Church, Miami; to give a concerted display of reverent thanks for travelling mercies of trips past and blessings to see another Slopers Anniversary safe and sound.
The weekend was concluded with an Anniversary lunch at the historic, posh Mahogany Grille located in the heart of Miami. Dining on cuisine to satisfy every appetite; members fellowshipped and enjoyed each other’s company.
For the history of the Sunshine Slopers and meeting times and location go to www.sunshineslopers.com.
November 2009
Reprinted with permission from The Westside Gazette.
Sunshine Slopers
Vicky Augustus-Fidelia, Chief of Staff for City of Miami Commisioner Michelle Spence-Jones (Dist. 5) presents a proclamation from the city recognizing Sunshine Slopers 20th Anniversary to current president Samuel Jackson.