Haley Rose

On Saturday, May 18, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, a migratory museum that shares Asian Pacific American history, art and culture through innovative community-focused experiences, hosted their inaugural annual event – The Party. The Party was created to raise awareness about the many contributions of Asian Pacific Americans and announce the launch of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Keystone Initiative to begin fundraising for the first permanent Asian Pacific American gallery within the Smithsonian.

At this inaugural event, the Smithsonian celebrated the contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans to the American experience by honoring individuals in categories ranging from culinary arts to sports. Sacramento Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé was presented with the Titan Award in Sports by Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui, Smithsonian Regent and a member of the Center’s Advisory Board, for his success in changing the rules of the game in business and sports and exemplifying how Indian Americans can write their own American story.

“The Smithsonian is one of the most iconic institutions in the country and to be recognized by them is both humbling and a tremendous honor that I could never have imagined,” said Sacramento Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé. “Asian Americans and Indian Americans have been and continue to be a key part of what makes this country great and it is only fitting that they are honored in the Smithsonian which is globally recognized as the curator of American history and culture.”

Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Vivek is the first Indian American majority owner of an NBA team. Since Vivek took over ownership of the Kings in 2013, he has helped to infuse Indian culture into the league by hosting an annual Bollywood Night at Golden 1 Center and streaming over 125 Kings games in India. Throughout the season, the team also hosts several diversity celebrations including Black History Month, Lunar New Year and Serbian Heritage Night – featuring games played on the Kings Global Statement Court. Additionally, in October, the Kings will play the first-ever NBA India Games in Mumbai as part of the NBA’s global expansion efforts.

Vivek has made waves as a philanthropist and under his leadership, the Kings operate with a passion for investing in diversity, innovation and community. In 2018, the Kings franchise publicly stood up following the tragic death of Stephon Clark and made a commitment to work with the community to prevent future tragedies, subsequently entering a multi-year partnership with the Build.Black Coalition. This year, the Kings community efforts to further support Sacramento’s youth and proactively invest in transformation for Black communities were recognized with the 2019 NBA Inclusion Innovation Award, Robert T. Matsui Community Service Award and the Greater Sacramento Urban League 2019 Unity Award.

vivek-ranadive-receives-smithsonian-asian-pacific-american-center-titan-award-in-sports

Vivek Ranadivé Receives Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center “Titan Award in Sports”

The Sacramento Kings had Golden 1 Center buzzing on Monday night as the team beat the Portland Trail Blazers during their second matchup of the 2018-19 regular season. Basketball wasn’t the only highlight of the night. During the game, the Kings honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by presenting the MLK Jr. Community Impact Award which recognizes a local organization that embodies the values of equality, leadership and education Dr. King fought to support. This year, The Center at Sierra Health Foundation was awarded for their inspiring work with My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Collaborative.

“We are pleased to recognize The Center at Sierra Health Foundation with the MLK Jr. Community Impact Award for their leadership with the My Brother’s Keeper Sacramento Collaborative,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “Through their commitment to improve outcomes for local boys and men of color, the Collaborative instills Dr. King’s values on a daily-basis, creating health, education and employment opportunities for young men of color in the Sacramento region.”

The organization’s impact has reached far beyond the local community, gaining national recognition from the Obama Foundation as they selected My Brother’s Keeper Sacramento Collaborative as one of 10 impact communities across the country to receive grants and access to technical assistance. Additionally, the Collaborative continues to identify new ways to partner with organizations and efforts in Sacramento that have the potential to produce positive outcomes for young people.

"We are honored to receive the MLK Community Impact Award recognizing the work of the Sacramento My Brother's Keeper Collaborative, working in partnership with the Black Child Legacy Campaign's Healing the Hood Initiative and the Positive Youth Justice Initiative to improve opportunities and outcomes for boys and young men of color," said Chet P. Hewitt, president and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation and The Center and co-chair of the Steering Committee on Reduction of African-American Child Deaths. "We continue to build upon our partnerships with community organizations, families and youth to create a more hopeful future for all young people."

My Brother’s Keeper Sacramento youth fellows and community leaders from Black Child Legacy Campaign were also in attendance at the MLK themed-night, providing more information to Kings fans on how to get involved with these impactful organizations and make a difference in the local community.

The Kings further honored Dr. King’s life through various in-game celebrations – including videos highlighting the accomplishments of Dr. King, a halftime video featuring Kings coaches, dancers, players and various Build.Black. Coalition youth reading the “I Have A Dream” Speech and an art showcase featuring projects crafted by Merryhill Elementary School students.

Haley Rose

Vivek Ranadivé Receives Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center “Titan Award in Sports”

Spotlight: The Center at Sierra Health Foundation Receives Sacramento Kings MLK Jr. Community Impact Award