Organization to Inspire Youth through Mentorship Opportunities and a Career Panel, presented by NBC Sports
Franchise to Amplify the Contributions of Black Community Leaders, Local Artists, Restaurants and Businesses
Today, the Sacramento Kings announced their 23rd Annual Black History Month celebration, powered by SMUD. Throughout February, the Kings will build upon the organization’s “Pledge to Our Black Community,” launched in June 2020, and use the team’s platform to recognize the community members and organizations working to advance social justice and make positive change.
“The Kings are proud to continue our ongoing commitment to amplify Black voices, invest in Black-owned businesses and dedicate resources to support youth programs,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “While Black History Month is a time for celebrating the many achievements and contributions of the Black community, the recent tragedy in Memphis reminds us all that there is much more work to do. The Kings will continue our efforts to partner with community stakeholders and inspire, unite, and activate around a call for social justice and racial equality.”
This year, the team will partner with NBC Sports to host a Black History Month Career Conversation and Kings Math Hoops Live at Golden 1 Center on February 8. During the event, local students will compete against each other in an on-court version of NBA Math Hoops. Following the game, Kings and NBC Sports team members will participate in a panel discussing their journey to and in the sports industry.
On February 9, the Kings will host a free Jr. Kings youth basketball camp in collaboration with Ball Out Academy, where participants will continue to develop their basketball skills.
As part of the Kings 916 Amplified, a program that leverages the team and NBA’s platform to shine a light on diverse local creatives, artists and small businesses in the Sacramento area, the organization will collaborate 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, will be on display on February 10 and 11, as the team takes on the Dallas Mavericks and will feature iconic imagery and symbols representing the sport's rich history and cultural significance within the Black community.
Also on February 10, the team will present the Dream All-Star Community Impact Award and Square Root Academy will be present at the Do Good Corner in Section 111 to highlight their work and host a STEM experience for young fans.
On February 23, as the team takes on the Portland Trail Blazers, Kings team members will host local Black high school students interested in pursuing careers in sports and entertainment in partnership with Improve Your Tomorrow. During the game, the young people will have the opportunity to shadow Kings team members across various departments to learn firsthand what goes on behind the scenes of a professional basketball team.
Throughout the month, the Kings will host pop-up kitchens featuring Sacramento-area Black-owned restaurants during select home games. On February 10, the team will showcase Nashville-style fried chicken from Nash & Proper, on February 10 and February 11 KREAM soft serve ATMs and on February 23, farm-to-fork inspirations from Q1227.
Additionally, the NBA has relaunched 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. Interested applicants should apply via the NBA Foundation by February 20.