-- February home games will feature tributes acknowledging notable achievements of prominent African-Americans --
SACRAMENTO, CALIF., Feb. 2, 2012 -- The Sacramento Kings have joined Wells Fargo to honor Black History Month by recognizing influential African-Americans who have made an impact on their communities through contributions in a variety of endeavors.
For the 10th consecutive season, the Kings will pay tribute to a local Black History Month All-Star at each home game throughout February. Selected based on their distinguished achievements and triumphs in the community, recipients are awarded a commemorative plaque presented in a ceremony at center court.
The Kings Black History Month festivities will tip-off this evening when the team takes on Portland at 7 p.m. at Power Balance Pavilion. Tonight's honoree is Wendy J. Petko, Executive Director, Center for Community Health & Well Being. Wendy assumed her role in 2008, where she has managed the comprehensive women's clinic that provides prenatal, family planning and well-woman care to low-income individuals, as well as risk reduction programs for teen girls. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the Center's finances, despite a challenging economy. A resident of Sacramento County since 1999, Petko serves as a board member for the Capitol Community Health Network and holds a master's from Golden Gate University and bachelor's degree in business administration from State University of N.Y, College at Brockport. She is also a former sergeant in the U.S. Army, where she earned an Army Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.
Additionally, the following Black History Month All-Stars will be honored at these upcoming contests:
Feb. 4 vs. Golden State:
Cornelius Taylor, Vice President of Cottage Housing.
Cornelius stepped into the role of Vice President in 2002 and immediately hit the ground supporting some of Sacramento's most vulnerable kids and families. As a respected leader and member of the agency's Executive Team, he has been instrumental in helping Sacramento's homeless population not only get off the streets but create sustainability in their lives. The CHI motto is: "Help people go from "tax-taker to tax-payer." Cornelius has successfully launched two new business ventures under the Cottage Housing umbrella, both focused on creating jobs so their graduates can earn a living. A native Sacramentan who attended John F. Kennedy High School and went on to complete his master's in business administration, Cornelius wants to be known as a young leader who has committed himself to making the community he grew up in stronger.
Feb. 9 vs. Oklahoma City:
George Porter: Original Tuskegee Airman.
Serving as an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen from 1942-49, Porter was among the first African-American military aviators in the U.S. armed forces. Porter retired from active military duty after 23 years of service and settled in Sacramento where he remains active in community service. A member of the Tuskegee Airmen Living History Team, he currently speaks to schools and organizations throughout the state in an effort to educate Californians about the history of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Porter and his peers were presented with the Congressional Gold Metal in 2007 by President George W. Bush for their honorable service to our country.
Feb. 11 vs. Phoenix:
Sam Starks: Founder and Executive Director, MLK365 and Community Relations, SMUD.
Starks' leadership has helped MLK365 advance the vision of Martin Luther King Jr. through value-based advertising campaigns, civic, work and educational challenge grants, and regional events to promote community engagement, character development and social action. What started in 1983 as an MLK Celebration Day Committee has transformed into one of the Sacramento region's most influential non-profit organizations.
Feb. 28 vs. Utah:
Michelle Coleman: Executive Director, PEACE for Families.
Coleman became the Executive Director of PEACE for Families in 2009, and has helped the agency gain great momentum at a time when the economy has forced many organizations to close their doors and turn families away. Instead, PEACE has increased services to women and families in Placer county, with the goal of providing victims of domestic violence and sexual assault with a safe, caring and nurturing environment at no cost.
In addition to recognizing exceptional local individuals, the Kings have produced a series of retrospective vignettes highlighting prominent African-Americans who positively altered history by their remarkable achievements. The videos will be showcased on KingsVision at Power Balance Pavilion during timeouts. Included among the subjects featured this season are sports figures Dusty Baker, Hank Aaron and Jackie Robinson, civil rights activist Rosa Parks and social reformer, orator and statesman Frederick Douglass.
For more information about the Kings and Wells Fargo's celebration of Black History Month, click here.
About Maloof Sports & Entertainment (MS&E):
Maloof Sports & Entertainment includes the Sacramento Kings and Power Balance Pavilion. Owned by the Maloof family with long-term, local partners, the organization is committed to being a contributing member of the Sacramento community. Teaming up with local leaders and non-profit organizations to give back to those in need throughout the region, MS&E has donated millions of dollars to charity in 12 years of Maloof family ownership. For more information about Maloof Sports & Entertainment, please visit Kings.com, PowerBalancePavilion.com or call 916-928-0000.
About Wells Fargo:
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.2 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com and wachovia.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. With more than 278,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in America. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked #19 on Fortune's 2009 rankings of America's largest corporations. Wells Fargo's vision is to satisfy all our customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially.