ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks are further enhancing a robust Black History Month celebration at Philips Arena, announcing plans to broadcast Paramount Pictures’ critically acclaimed motion picture Selma in a unique format at the venue following the conclusion of the Hawks’ Feb. 20 contest against the Toronto Raptors.
“We are thrilled that Paramount Pictures is working with us on this pioneering initiative,” said Atlanta Hawks CEO Steve Koonin. “We are hopeful that by presenting this incredible film on a night that we’re honoring civil rights icons, we will bring honor to the legacy of our leaders while encouraging this current generation to sustain the good work.”
Fans who stay to watch the film will be treated to a special movie-viewing experience, as the Academy Award® Best Picture and Best Original Song nominee will be shown on the center-hung scoreboard and displayed onto the playing surface via state-of-the-art projection technology.
Earlier this month, the Hawks began a five-game tribute to civil rights pioneers, displaying in-arena video vignettes dedicated to history makers in the Atlanta community as part of the club’s “I Am Black History” campaign. Each home contest in February will feature acknowledgement of African-American trailblazers, including a historic gathering on Feb. 20 when five living legends from the Civil Rights Movement will be honored.
Honorees include:
- Juanita Abernathy – Participant in pivotal Selma march, widow of Ralph D. Abernathy
- Rep. John Lewis – Congressman, Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District, speaker at 1963’s March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
- Rev. Joseph Lowery – Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, co-founder of Southern Christian Leadership Conference
- Rev. C.T. Vivian – Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, founder of Basic Diversity
- Andrew J. Young – U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, former Mayor of the City of Atlanta
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 20.