ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks are celebrating Black History Month by hosting and honoring heroes of the Civil Rights Movement at each home contest in February. The Hawks will pay homage to five living legends of the era with special in-game recognition and will also acknowledge post-civil rights era African-American trailblazers with an “I Am Black History” campaign.
The “I Am Black History” campaign, focused on educating people from all cultural backgrounds about the contributions of black history to American history, highlights prominent Atlantans making strides in their respective fields. The initiative is designed to connect generations of people from all cultures and inform them that achievements in black history still occur today, allowing everybody to contribute to American history.
“We are proud to recognize and celebrate Black History Month by creating a new and innovative fan experience during all of our home games in February. For many Americans, Black History Month is both profoundly inspirational and deeply personal. It empowers us to charge ahead as we continue break down barriers, extend our hands toward one another, and create equity for all,” said Nzinga Shaw, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of the Atlanta Hawks.
A civil rights hero will be individually recognized during every Hawks home game this month, and fans in attendance at the Feb. 20 contest versus the Toronto Raptors will be in for a historic moment when all five legends gather together for a special acknowledgement.
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
The first legend will be honored on Feb. 4 when the Hawks host the Washington Wizards at 7:30 p.m.