Team Promotes Youth Mentorship Opportunities, Recognizes Leaders and Amplifies Local Artists, Businesses and Restaurants
Each year, the Sacramento Kings dedicate February to celebrating Black History Month and honoring the black community through a series of events, activations and outreach. Kings Black History Month, powered by SMUD, builds upon the organization’s “Pledge to Our Black Community,” launched in June 2020, aimed at advancing racial equity through candid conversations, supporting Sacramento’s Black-owned businesses, investing in Black youth, highlighting local Black artists and honoring Black community leaders.
Introducing the Next Generation to Careers in Sports
Throughout the month, the organization provided opportunities for youth to learn about various career paths in sports through mentorship, activations and panels. On February 8, the team partnered with NBC Sports to host Math Hoops Live at Golden 1 Center. During the event, local students competed against each other in an on-court version of NBA Math Hoops. Then, Kings and NBC Sports team members participated in a Black History Month Career Conversation and panel to share their journey to and in the sports industry.
“It’s super important for the Kings organization to do event like this,” said NBC Production Manager Cascene Gibson. “The kids are our future and they need to see people that look like them to show them that they can do the job too.”
On February 10, as the team took on the Dallas Mavericks, the team featured Square Root Academy, a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) based non-profit organization dedicated to educating underrepresented youth on the fundamentals of S.T.E.A.M. while emphasizing collaborative learning, innovation and academic excellence. Square Root Academy was founded by Sacramento native Nicholas Haystings and was present at the Kings Do Good Corner to highlight their work.
During the February 23 Kings game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Kings team members, in partnership with Improve Your Tomorrow, hosted local Black high school students interested in pursuing careers in sports and entertainment. During the game, the students had the opportunity to shadow Kings team members across various departments to learn firsthand what goes on behind the scenes of a professional basketball team.
Shining a Light on Local Black Artists
As part of the Kings 916 Amplified, a program that leverages the team and NBA’s platform to highlight diverse local creatives, artists and small businesses in the Sacramento area, the organization collaborated with the Black Artist Foundry to curate "StreetBALL COURTure." The dynamic and thought-provoking art exhibit featuring painted basketballs transformed into striking pieces of art using various mediums including paint, embroidery and graphic design, was on display on February 10 and 11, as the team took on the Dallas Mavericks. The basketballs featured iconic imagery and symbols representing the sport's rich history and cultural significance within the Black community.
Recognizing Local Black Leaders
On February 10, the team presented the Dream All-Star Community Impact Award to Adult Primary Care Provider for Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Kristin Gates. Dr. Gates was recognized for her crucial work as a Black doctor in the Sacramento community, including playing a key role in a South Sacramento community garden, promoting plants over pills with the goal to reduce or reverse hypertension and heart disease among Black patients with a plant-based diet.
Additionally, the team recognized two members from the Sacramento region for their impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. An Equality Award was presented to Vice President at Capitol Impact Robynne Rose-Haymer and a Culture Creator Award was presented to Chief Diversity Officer at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Monae Roberts.
Showcasing Local Black Restaurants
Throughout the month, the team hosted Kings Pop-Up Kitchens featuring Sacramento-area Black-owned restaurants. On February 10, the team showcased Nashville-style fried chicken from Nash & Proper, KREAM soft serve ATMs on February 11 and farm-to-fork inspirations from Q1227 on February 23.
Apparel to Showcase Pride
The Kings launched partnerships with multiple brands for Black History Month-themed apparel exclusively in the Team Store. In collaboration with Cross Colours, the Kings launched a cream long-sleeve shirt featuring “As We Rise” slogan and red, green and yellow stars down the arm. In collaboration with fashion and lifestyle designer Ty Mopkins, the Kings launched a jacket inspired by and paying tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of primarily Black military pilots and airmen who fought in World War II.
Encouraging Health and Wellness
On February 9, the Kings held a free Jr. Kings clinic in collaboration with Ball Out Academy, where participants were taught the fundamentals of basketball to continue to develop their skills.
Amplifying League Initiatives
The Kings supported the NBA’s relaunch of its fellowship program, aiming to provide career development opportunities in the business of basketball for undergraduate and graduate students from HBCUs. The 10-week paid summer internship will run from June to August and participants will be selected by NBA teams and the league office to work within various departments including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, legal, social responsibility, digital and marketing.
Highlighting Businesses, Resources and More
During the month, the Kings highlighted various resources for fans on their social media channels, including:
___
During Black History Month and year-round, the Kings are committed to supporting the pursuit of racial justice through sustained action.
For more information on the Kings ongoing efforts to honor, highlight and support the Black community, visit Kings.com/Community.