As the name implies, Black History Month celebrations typically focus on past achievements and stories. This year, the Atlanta Hawks want to recognize local Black creatives currently making an impact.
On Feb. 7, the Hawks will host their Black History Month game, an event that’s traditionally honored the legacies of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Andrew Young.
When All-Star snub Trae Young and Co. face off against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, game-day festivities will celebrate Black content creators and artists.
“This year as we want to focus on the creatives, taking a piece of our Black and brown and underrepresented community here and amplifying a segment that we have not focused on singularly before,” Camye Mackey, the Hawks executive vice president and chief people, diversity and inclusion officer, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
In line with the Black creators theme, a pregame ceremony includes Georgia Natural Gas presenting a $10,000 check to the Morehouse College cinema, television and emerging media studies program.
Activations throughout the concourse at State Farm Arena will be highlighted by a live painting from Atlanta-based artist and muralist Fabian Williams.
Looking to tap into the “creatives that are creating magic today,” Mackey said they were drawn to Williams' themes of Black liberation, innovation and joy. She hopes showcasing his work sparks inspiration.
“Let’s encourage not just him and other creators, but others in our community who have thoughts of being a creator or an artist, so they can be exposed to and actually see these things in action today,” she said.
“They can look at themselves and say, ‘You know what? It could be me.’”
In addition to visual art, music, literature and film are also in the spotlight. Grammy-nominated artist and producer SLiM Wav is set to sing the national anthem.
Father-son author duo Michael and Matthew Carson will dole out copies of their book, “African American Musicians Who Changed Music Forever.”
Last year during Black History Month, the Carsons donated 1,000 copies of their book, “Unsung African American History Makers: Unknown Hidden Figures and Their Stories,” to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
A special presentation during the game will honor film producer Will Packer (“Girls Trip,” “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist”).
Student content creators from historically Black colleges and universities who participated in an initiative with the organization will also be honored.
At halftime, Atlanta spoken word artist Adán Bean will perform his piece, “The South Got Something to Say.” The TEDx speaker was also a 2023 fellow in Emory University’s arts and social justice program.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to perform during halftime and to share something that holds a special place in my heart about a city that has greatly influenced my journey,” Bean said. “This opportunity allows me to blend my two passions — my love for words and the game of basketball.”
There are limited tickets for the game, which is a good sign for Mackey. As her title suggests, ensuring that the organization’s staff and programming looks like the demographics of the city is paramount.
Two days before the Black History Month game on Feb. 5, ESPN will have an all-Black broadcasting crew in Atlanta when the Hawks take on the San Antonio Spurs.
Like the ESPN telecast, Mackey wants the Black History Month game experience to promote value in programming centered on diversity.
“I think that night is going to be inspiring and motivating for many … ” she said. “The value is in showcasing the amazing work that’s being done for all types of people.”
Become a member of UATL for more stories like this in our free newsletter and other membership benefits.
Follow UATL on Facebook, on X, TikTok and Instagram.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
