Throughout the month of February, the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation will focus its efforts on celebrating black leaders in the community and throughout history. The Foundation's Black History Month campaign, presented by American Family Insurance and KSTC Channel 45, is highlighted by the "Who Inspires You?" creative contest in which three lucky entrants will win an all-expense paid trip to Memphis to visit the National Civil Rights Museum and see the Wolves take on the Grizzlies. Other Black History Month events include a traveling Black History Celebration that will visit four area schools, a $10,000 grant presentation to the African American Read-In at the University of Minnesota, a Reading Timeout with local elementary students and an in-arena recognition of three Tuskegee Airmen currently living in Minnesota.

"We take great pride in recognizing inspirational leaders in our community and in our nation's history, and Black History Month provides us with a terrific platform to celebrate these individuals and their accomplishments," Timberwolves President Chris Wright said. "It's especially important that our young fans are educated about black history and able to incorporate the lessons they can learn from these great pioneers into their daily lives."

The "Who Inspires You?" creative contest, now in its third season, is the signature event of the Wolves' Black History Month efforts. All middle school and high school students from across the state are invited to enter by selecting one inspirational black leader from American history and submitting a creative work illustrating how their choice inspires them to be a better leader today. Winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to Memphis from April 11-13 to visit historical sites including the National Civil Rights Museum and see the Wolves take on the Grizzlies at the FedExForum on April 12.

Submissions to the "Who Inspires You?" contest can be in the form of an essay, poem or piece of artistic expression (painting, sculpture, etc.), with one winner selected from each category. Entries must be received by Wednesday, Feb. 13 and can be submitted to: Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation, 600 First Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55403 or via e-mail at fastbreakfoundation@timberwolves.com. Winners will be announced during the Wolves game vs. Dallas on Feb. 24.

"There are many opportunities, big and small, for each new generation to take on leadership roles," said Carolyn Gilb, a sales vice president for American Family Insurance. "This contest helps students consider the possibilities and draw inspiration from the leaders that preceded them. American Family is proud to partner with the Timberwolves in this outstanding program."

In addition to the "Who Inspires You?" creative contest, the Wolves will also bring Black History Month into the schools through a traveling Black History Celebration that will visit four area schools during the month. Students will be engaged in a unique and interactive learning experience featuring performances by spoken word artists and theatrical groups highlighting key individuals and moments in black history. Wolves broadcasters Lea B. Olsen, Jim Petersen and Billy McKinney will also be on hand to share with the students a variety of stories about life both in and out of the NBA.

The FastBreak Foundation's Black History Month initiative will also be visible inside Target Center at all Wolves games in February, with special in-arena tributes to Black leaders and trivia contests. The in-arena schedule is highlighted by the Wolves' matchup with Toronto on Feb. 10, when the team will honor three former Tuskegee Airmen currently living in Minnesota as Heroes in the Making. The three former fighter pilots from World War II battled racial prejudice to become some of the most decorated pilots in the armed forces.

The Feb. 10 game will also feature the presentation of a $10,000 grant to the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development in support of their work with the African American Read-In. The Read-In is an annual event in which thousands of young readers from around the world come together in groups to read works from African American authors, with the mission of promoting literacy and closing the gap between African American students and other students. The Foundation's grant will be used to purchase books and other curriculum materials to support African American Read-Ins around the state.

The Timberwolves Black History Month celebration will also include a Reading Timeout on Wednesday, Feb. 20, for 25 students from Bethune Community School in North Minneapolis. Wolves players will join the students at the Cookie Cart (1119 W. Broadway Ave.) for an afternoon of reading and decorating cookies. The Timberwolves Read to Achieve program is presented by American Family Insurance.

For more information about these Black History Month initiatives, visit www.timberwolves.com/community or call 612-673-1653.

Based in Madison, Wis., American Family Insurance offers auto, homeowners, life, health, commercial and farm/ranch insurance in 18 states. American Family ranks 338th on the Fortune 500 list and is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company.

The Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation provides and supports hands-on programs that positively impact Minnesota youth. Through giving, education and basketball opportunities, the Foundation enables young people to make responsible decisions, contribute to their futures and experience lifelong memories.