Posted: Jan. 18, 2013
The Phoenix Suns, in partnership with PetSmart, will celebrate Martin Luther King Day with a symposium featuring three-time NBA Hall of Fame inductee, Lenny Wilkens, on Thursday, January 24, prior to the Suns-Clippers matchup at US Airways Center. The symposium will begin at 7:15 p.m., with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
This unique and inspiring event will feature a panel discussion with the NBA legend, Wilkens, Suns alumnus, Eddie Johnson and Mercury alumna, Adrian Williams-Strong. Each will share how Martin Luther King Jr. has influenced their lives and the game of basketball.
A limited number of tickets are available, and include both entry into the symposium and the Suns-Clippers game immediately following. Tickets can be purchased online at Suns.com/MLK at a discounted price of $54.75 for lower level seating, and $24.75 for upper level seating, while supplies last.
“As a hometown company, we are thrilled to team up with our Phoenix Suns to honor and celebrate one of the most influential and powerful figures of civil freedom and human rights, Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said David Lenhardt, President and COO of PetSmart. “At PetSmart, we believe our commitment to diversity and inclusion makes us a stronger company, and we are excited to work with organizations like the Phoenix Suns who share that dedication.”
In addition to the pregame symposium, the Phoenix Suns and PetSmart will host a halftime recognition ceremony honoring three Valley leaders, each of whom play a significant role in the ongoing quest of equality for all. The three honorees are: Kerwin Brown, Chairman & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce, Eddie Burt, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain at PetSmart and Kenja Hassan, Assistant Director of Community Relations, Office of Public Affairs at Arizona State University.
“The symposium is a great way for us to pay tribute to a man whose legacy positively shaped millions of lives across the United States,” said Jason Rowley, Phoenix Suns President. “At the same time, we are excited to honor those in our own community who revere the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. through their efforts to move our society forward in achieving equality for all.”
Media availability with Lenny Wilkens will be held immediately following the symposium. Please RSVP to sunspr@suns.com by noon on Wednesday, January 23 if you wish to attend.