The Sacramento Kings are honoring Black History Month with a series of impactful events, mentorship opportunities, and meaningful collaborations. Their 25th annual celebration aims to uplift and recognize the local Black community, amplifying diverse voices and providing pathways for youth to thrive.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
On February 5th, the Kings will host their annual Black History Month and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) game. The event will feature performances celebrating Black culture, including the Black National Anthem sung by Tayondee Kelly and a halftime show by sororities and fraternities from the Divine Nine. Local Black artists’ work will be displayed, and nearly 100 youth from the National Pan-Hellenic Council will attend, sharing resources.
The Power of Representation
During the February 8th game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Kings will honor the winner of the 26th Annual MLK Celebration Sacramento youth essay contest, recognizing their vision for a better future. Members of the Green Ambitions cohort, a group of Black and Brown youth funded by the NBA Foundation, will attend and participate in a career panel focused on sports, entertainment, and sustainability.
Amplifying Diverse Voices
Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis expressed the organization’s commitment to ‘creating pathways for Black and diverse youth to succeed, empowering them to thrive and prioritize their personal and professional growth.’ The Kings remain dedicated to uplifting the profound legacy and enduring influence of the Black community.
Unveiling the Untold Stories
On February 24th, during College Night presented by UC Davis Graduate School of Management, the Kings will announce the recipient of the Future is Yours Scholarship. Awarded in partnership with the Trajectory Foundation and Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson’s G-Unity Foundation, the $20,000 scholarship will assist a student with higher education costs over four years.
Bridging the Gap: Opportunities for Youth
Students from Burbank High School, serving on an advisory board dedicated to promoting equity and equality within the Sacramento City Unified School District, will attend the February 24th game. They will participate in a behind-the-scenes experience with Kings team members, further fostering connections and opportunities for diverse youth.
A Taste of Culture: Culinary Delights
Throughout the month, fans can savor the unique flavors of local minority-owned restaurants at the Kings Pop Up Kitchen. Offerings include Bear West BBQ, Forgotten Bakery, Saucy Oysters, and Dubplate Kitchen and Jamaican Cuisine, celebrating the rich diversity of Sacramento’s culinary scene.
The NBA Foundation: Driving Equity and Opportunity
The NBA Foundation, created in 2020, is the league’s first-ever charitable foundation dedicated to advancing economic opportunity for Black youth. All NBA teams contribute $1 million annually to support national and local organizations that drive equity and opportunity, further amplifying the impact of this vital initiative.
