Indiana Pacers to Celebrate Black History Month with the Dream BIG Initiative

The Indiana Pacers and Honda Manufacturing of Indiana have teamed up for the Dream BIG initiative, a multifaceted program to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month.

The program is designed to celebrate the importance of African-American contributions in history throughout the state of Indiana and the United States. The Dream BIG philosophy teaches others to think beyond current circumstances. It starts with one person choosing to make a change; but depending on the size of the dream, the outcome can benefit an individual, community, country or the world.

The Pacers and Honda Manufacturing of Indiana will celebrate the Dream BIG initiative with the following programs & events over the coming weeks:

Black History Month T-Shirt Design Contest
From Jan. 1-16, fans were encouraged to vote for their favorite Black History Month T-shirt designed by Indiana Pacers players on Pacers.com and social media. Beginning Feb. 1, fans will have the opportunity to purchase the winning shirt at the Home Court Gift Shop at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

January 16
"I Am Martin Luther King, Jr." Book Giveaway
Courtesy of Scholastic and Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, the first 1,000 fans ages 12 and under at the Pacers vs. New Orleans Pelicans game will receive a copy of “I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.” in addition to a limited-edition Pacers bookmark.

January 31
Dream Big Day of Service
MLK Center
40 West 40th St., Indianapolis
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Volunteers from Pacers Sports & Entertainment and Honda Manufacturing of Indiana will team up with the MLK Center in Indianapolis for a day of service. Volunteer activities will include:

  • Outdoor landscaping (weather permitting) – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • BINGO with seniors – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Youth activities – 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

February 7
Capes for Kids
Elder Diggs School, IPS #42
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Through the Capes for Kids event, students will hear from special guest speaker and former Pacers player LaSalle Thompson about the contributions African-Americans have made to our country, and how dreaming big made them who they are today. Students will then create their own Super Hero capes with help from members of the Indiana Pacemates, as well as Honda Manufacturing and Pacers Sports & Entertainment volunteers.