A lot has happened since 11-year-old Mickey landed on the cover of Issue 23.3. It took less than 24 hours to find him thanks to a Minnesota Facebook group and Mickey was thrilled to learn what came of that day near his home in Minneapolis.
Mickey on the cover of Issue 23.3. Photo: Mike Yoshida
But the story doesn’t end there—amidst an outpouring of support from the snowboard world, Mickey and his little brother Elijah linked up with Anthony Taylor of Melanin in Motion (MIM). Through MIM and Joe Sexton of PUBLIC Snowboards, both got kitted with snowboard gear, seasons passes, and coaching. They’ve already been out boarding four times and it’s going well—the boys are linking turns and sliding happily with a community of their peers at Afton Alps, MN.
Mickey (white goggles) with his little brother, Elijah (orange board), on the slopes with the Melanin in Motion crew. On the far right is the organization's founder, Anthony Taylor. Photo courtesy of Melanin in Motion
“Even though his instinct was there to slide on snow, I don’t know if he would have found his way to snowboarding,” says Taylor. “The serendipity of him seeing those athletes—that’s what young people need, to see something that expands what’s possible. Then you need the connection to the right community of people to be supported. As soon as you see it, that expands the way we respond.”
Video: KARE11
According to Anthony, Mickey is “especially lit up” by MIM’s crew of 16–18-year-old coaches—young Black, Brown, and female riders—he proudly calls his “board brothers.” Mickey is catching on fast, and now his story has grown into a family one: his brother and father are both taking lessons alongside him. What started as a viral moment has become a living illustration of how access, mentorship, and belonging can turn curiosity into confidence, and a solo spark into a shared ride.
Board brothers getting ready to hit the slopes with Melanin in Motion at Afton Alps, MN. Photo: Anthony Taylor
It’s important to note that organizations like MIM, The Service Board, Burton’s Chill Foundation, the Share Winter Foundation and many more do the work daily to help underserved youth access the mountains. Mickey’s a shining example of how the simplicity of sliding on snow can bring joy into one’s life. We encourage anyone who’s interested in helping get more kids onboard to consider donating, volunteering, and supporting these organizations however they can, and to seek out similar spaces in their community where they can help make a difference.