2023 Black history Month

February is Black History Month. It is the annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Blacks in the United States. Founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926, it was first called Negro History Week and hosted the second week of February. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially designated February as Black History Month.

Legacy Lives Here

The Grizzlies celebrate Black History Month through several community initiatives, social highlights, and in-game entertainment. Join us as we learn, reflect, and celebrate Black History and Culture in Memphis and the Mid South.

Black History Month Games

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Celebrate

Grizzlies 5th Annual HBCU Empowerment Awards

The Grizzlies 5th Annual HBCU Empowerment Awards, presented by Pinnacle, will honor seven outstanding individuals who graduated from an Historical Black College or University and are empowering their community, within the City of Memphis and Shelby County, in the fields of Education, Health & Fitness, Youth Development or Service. In recognition of their commitments to the community, a donation of $5,000 will be made to each honoree’s alma mater, in their name.

Ena Esco Cole

Owner, Creator

Ivy Multimedia LLC, Verbally Effective Podcast

LeMoyne-Owen College

Honored February 01

Jozelle Luster Booker

President and CEO

Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum

Jackson State University

Honored February 05

Sam O'Bryant III

Executive Director

Literacy Mid-South

Alcorn State University

Honored February 07

Sunya Payne

Director of Family and Community Engagement

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

LeMoyne-Owen College

Honored February 10

Anthony Branch

CEO

Memphis Leadership Foundation

Howard University

Honored February 15

Arlinda Fair Cathey

Program Manager for DEI Programs & Community Engagement

National Civil Rights Museum

Jackson State University

Honored February 25

Bridget D. Sisney

Owner

Universoul Wellness LLC

Dillard University

Honored February 28

Amber M. Hamilton

Executive Director

Memphis Music Initiative

Howard University

Anthony Norris

EVP, CDO, Chairman & CEO

YMCA Memphis & the Mid-South

NC Central University

Dr. Orpheus Triplett

Assistant Dean

Community Oral Heath and Outreach

UT College of Dentistry

Trey Carter

President

Olympic Training Career Institute

Florida A&M University

Trevia Chatman

Sr. VP Memphis Market Manager

Bank of America

Tennessee State University

Tyrone A. Burroughs

Founder

First Choice Sales and Marketing

Benedict College

Kontji Anthony

Evening Anchor

WMC Action News 5

Howard University

Linda McNeil

Senior Account Manager

Gaskill Strategies

LeMoyne-Owen College

Miska Clay Bibbs

Chief of Staff

Teach for America

Hampton University

Sandra Reed MD

Anesthesiologist

Mid South Anesthesia Consultants

Spelman College

Dillon Robinson

Clinical Research Monitor

St. Jude Research Hospital

Jackson State University

Black Art Installation at FedExForum

See curated art from seven black artist who are changing the landscape of visual arts in Memphis - featured in FedExForum throughout Black History Month

Locations: Terrace Level (Sections 226 – 231) & Main Concourse (Across from the Burrito Food Stand)

Learn

Magnifying Memphis:
28 Days of Black History

Representing the 28 days in February, this calendar features 28 facts that speak to the City of Memphis, Memphis Grizzlies, and the NBA. Curated with the support of the Memphis Public Library and Facing History & Ourselves, these facts will highlight Black Historians from our community and beyond.

Follow along @memgrizz on our social channels for updates to the calendar each day.

Robert “Bob” Reed Church was the first black millionaire in the South. Church was a prominent businessman and entrepreneur that played a key role in establishing Beale Street as a prominent neighborhood and haven for black Americans during Reconstruction. In 1899, Memphis did not provide recreational facilities for black citizens. Robert Church invested in an area which contained a playground and a large concert hall where black theatrical groups could perform. The park now bears his name. Church Park is located at the far east end of Beale Street and Ida B. Wells.

Black History with the Grizzlies

Why Black History Month is Important
Supporting Black Owned Businesses
Memphis Grizzlies HBCU Night 2020 Recap
Talking HBCUs, Black History Month with Robert Covington
2021 Black History Month

African American Authors

Interested in learning more through African American Literature? Dive into this list of books by Black authors, curated by the Memphis Public Library.