Black History Month

The Sacramento Kings are committed to amplifying diverse voices year-round and in February the team dedicates the month to celebrating and honoring Black history, culture and futures. Kings Black History Month, powered by SMUD, builds upon the pillars of 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 futures, highlighting local Black artists and honoring Black community leaders.

Aligning Black Culture through Music and Basketball

On February 2, as the team hosted the Brooklyn Nets, GRAMMY® award-winning rapper, singer, producer and actor Coolio sat down with local artists and nonprofits for a studio session presented by Arden Fair in Golden 1 Center’s Music Recording Studio to discuss his journey and passion and celebrate their work in our community. Participating nonprofits included the NAACP, Improve Your Tomorrow and Sacramento Housing Alliance. Coolio then performed his hit song Gangsta’s Paradise at halftime.

On February 9, as the Kings faced the Timberwolves, the team highlighted West African culture and heritage with a special look at Kings forward Chimezie Metu’s journey to the NBA.

“There’s a lot of us in the NBA with Nigerian roots,” said Metu. “You’re never too far from achieving what you want to achieve. Just keep pushing through whatever it is.”

In addition, African dance by Duniya Dance Group was performed and art by Ike Slimster was displayed in conjunction with African music mixed by DJ Lisa Nwoye. Local nonprofits including Project Digital Africa, which works to bridge the digital gap in Africa, and Africa House Sacramento, a multipurpose cultural and educational center, shared their missions on the concourse during the game.

On February 17, Florin Square and the Sacramento Kings Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council held a panel discussion to highlight Black economic justice and uplift local Black businesses. The panel included Kings Vice President of Technology Eric King, Ticket Sales Account Manager Justin McKinley, Social Responsibility Manager Veronne Clark, Premium Membership Services Account Manager Ryan Smith  and Social Producer Terrell Adams. The speakers spoke on personal experiences within their careers and shared Kings social justice initiatives, examples of collaboration and innovative solutions within the organization.

Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Investing and Minority Entrepreneurs

On February 24, prior to their game against the Denver Nuggets, the Kings hosted a panel titled “The Future of Tech &amp; Investing: Supporting Black &amp; Diverse Entrepreneurs” to encourage young, Black, diverse, aspiring entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region. The panel, moderated by Kings Analyst Matt Barnes, featured successful entrepreneurs who spoke about important topics in the technology and investing space and provided mentorship. It included Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé, entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and two-time NBA All-Star Baron Davis, Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital Arlan Hamilton, former NBA player, investor and entrepreneur Metta World Peace and Special Advisor for Economic Mobility and Opportunity for Governor Gavin Newsom Michael Tubbs. The event also featured special guests including entrepreneur and Multi-Platinum Songwriter Michaela Shiloh and entrepreneur, feminist, activist and Grammy Award Winning Musician Madison Calley Jenkins.

The panelists spoke to a group of students and corporate partners about the abundance of opportunity and how investors are looking for individuals who are ferocious.

Showcasing Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Following the tech panel on February 24, the organization recognized the impact and celebrated the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). During the game, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. showed off their stepping and various Black fraternities tabled on the concourse to bring awareness to their organizations. In addition, local nonprofits and organizations including the United College Action Network, Inc. (U-CAN) were present to provide fans resources. During halftime, the Black National Anthem was performed and Lift Every Voice was sung by Vadia Hubbard and signed by Juanita Butler.

Ankr, a leader in Web3 infrastructure, and Trajectory Foundation presented an HBCU scholarship of $20,000 to Marcellus Carpenter III, a Grant High School senior who intends to major in engineering at an HBCU. Marcellus has been accepted to multiple HBCUs, including Grambling State University, Tuskegee University and Tennessee State University. He is excited to further his education at an HBCU for the experience, culture and spirit the universities provide and for the opportunity to immerse in the minds of those who have the same history as him.

To continue investment in HBCU students, this year the NBA is providing a unique fellowship program aimed at providing career development opportunities in the business of basketball to undergraduate and graduate students. The 10-week paid summer internship with teams including the Kings will run from June to August.

Kings Coaches and Broadcasters Share Inside Perspectives

Kings Director of Player Development and Assistant Coach Rico Hines and Analyst Matt Barnes sat down, as part of the Beyond the Paint series, to discuss their journeys from UCLA to the NBA and ways they have used basketball to open doors in their careers. The discussion, moderated by Kyle Draper, focused on the struggles they’ve faced as black men and how basketball facilitated their career development.

When asked what people can do to support Black athletes, Barnes said, “You want to see us win outside of sports, really be alongside of us, really be an advocate for the movement and everything we’re trying to move today. We’re not going to see the benefits, it’s for our kids.”

This candid conversation explored life beyond basketball and when asked what advice he would give to young people, Hines said “Find out what your big picture is, know your big picture, work your butt off and grind. Do people right, treat people right, be a good person. Let the chips fall where they may and no matter what you’ll be successful.”

Kings Interim Head Coach Alvin Gentry reflected on his experience attending segregated schools.

“It was a challenge, every day,” said Gentry, “A lot of the white students felt we were invading their territory, but some accepted us.” Gentry spoke of his parents being an inspiration during his childhood, telling him, “You’re not better than anybody, but you’re definitely not less than anyone else. You’re somebody special, and you deserve to be treated special.”

During their East Coast road trip, the team visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., the only national museum dedicated to the experiences, history and culture of Black Americans. During the trip, the team had the opportunity to view artifacts and hear stories showcasing Black history and culture in America.

“It’s very introspective and very provocative in the way it makes you think about sports in the role of our history,” said Kings Play-By-Play Announcer Mark Jones. “Just a really fantastic time to hear some of these stories and to learn from the journey that this country has already traveled and how we can make it better.”

“No matter how many times you come here, there’s always different things you can learn,” said Kings forward Harrison Barnes. “It was really just a good experience to learn and be immersed in our history.”

The Kings partnered with local poet and Director of SAYS, Patrice Hill, to create a spoken word video in reflection of the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.

“Done are the days spent talking about it - we are going to be about it, shout about it, be loud about it,” said Hill. “Social justice is our calling; we are more than proud about it.”

In February, the Kings amplified the work of local Black artists from the Black Artist Fund during their games, on the screens at the Grand Entrance to Golden 1 Center, near the corner of L and 5th Streets and on the team’s social channels. The artists highlighted were:

Highlighting Sacramento’s Black-Owned Businesses

The Kings highlighted local Black-owned businesses by featuring them at their home games. The businesses highlighted were:

During Black History Month and year-round, the Kings are committed to supporting the pursuit of racial justice through sustained action.

For Black Lives Matter resources, including articles, books, videos, podcasts, Black-owned businesses and more, visit Kings.com/BLM.

For more information on the Kings ongoing efforts to honor, highlight and support the Black community, visit Kings.com/Community.

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Recap: Kings Celebrate Black History Month

Today, the Sacramento Kings tip-off their 22nd Annual Black History Month celebration, powered by SMUD. Continuing to build upon the pillars of the organization’s “Pledge to Our Black Community” launched in June 2020, the programming for February includes a technology and investment panel aimed at supporting Black and diverse entrepreneurs, dialogues with Kings coaches and broadcasters and community awards honoring inspiring local leaders.

“Throughout the month, we will continue to promote collective learning, honor Black culture and recognize the contributions of Black leaders locally and nationwide,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “We are committed to using our platform to amplify opportunities, resources and mentorship to support our Black youth.”

During each February home game, the organization will recognize and honor a local community member as a Dream All-Star. These individuals include SMUD Chief Diversity Officer Gary King, Lucas Public Affairs Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Cassandra Walker Pye, Yolo County Children’s Alliance Executive Director Jeneba Lahai and United Way California Capital Region CEO Dawnte Early. These awards will be presented in-game in partnership with SMUD.

Tomorrow, as the team hosts the Brooklyn Nets, GRAMMY® award-winning rapper, singer, producer and actor Coolio will perform at halftime. Prior to tip-off, Coolio will sit down with local artists and nonprofits for a studio session presented by Arden Fair in Golden 1 Center’s Music Recording Studio to discuss his journey and passion and celebrate their work in our community. Participating local nonprofits including NAACP, Improve Your Tomorrow and Sacramento Housing Alliance will also be showcased on the arena concourse.

On February 8, as the Kings take on the Minnesota Timberwolves, the organization will highlight the work of Mutual Assistance Network to support local youth and families. Then on February 9, as the Kings face the Timberwolves again, the team will shine a light on West African culture and heritage with a special look at Kings forward Chimezie Metu’s journey to the NBA and the impact of the Basketball Africa League. West African music, dance and art will be on display with tracks by DJ Lisa Nwoye, a performance by Duniya Dance Group and art by Ike Slimster. Additionally, local nonprofits Project Digital Africa, working to bridge the digital gap in Africa and Africa House Sacramento, a multipurpose cultural and educational center, will share information about their efforts with fans on the concourse.

On February 24, the organization will recognize the impact and celebrate the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) as the team takes on the Denver Nuggets. During the game, the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will show off their stepping and the ZuZu African Acrobats will perform at halftime. Local nonprofits and organizations, including United College Action Network, Inc. (U-CAN), will be present to provide fans with additional resources.

Prior to the game, the organization will host a panel titled “The Future of Tech &amp; Investing: Supporting Black &amp; Diverse Entrepreneurs” to encourage young, Black, aspiring entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region. The panel, moderated by Kings Analyst Matt Barnes, will feature successful entrepreneurs who will speak about important topics in the technology and investing space and provide mentorship, including Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé, Entrepreneur, Investor, Philanthropist, and two-time NBA All-Star Baron Davis, Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital Arlan Hamilton, Investor and Venture Capitalist Kesha Cash and Special Advisor for Economic Mobility and Opportunity for Governor Gavin Newsom Michael Tubbs. The event will also feature special guests including, former NBA player, Investor and Entrepreneur Metta World Peace, Entrepreneur and Multi-Platinum Songwriter Michaela Shiloh and Grammy Award Winning Musician, Entrepreneur, Feminist and Activist Madison Calley Jenkins.

This year, the NBA is also hosting a unique 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.  

On February 28, the Kings and Apple Pay will team up with CodeDay to host 50 local high school students at Golden 1 Center for an afternoon of exploring a future in tech and beyond.

As part of Black History Month, the Kings organization will host two dialogues providing a unique perspective into NBA coaches and broadcasters. Sacramento Kings Interim Head Coach Alvin Gentry and Stockton Kings Head Coach Bobby Jackson will discuss what it is like being head coach in the NBA and NBA G League, respectively. Additionally, Kings Director of Player Development and Assistant Coach Rico Hines and Analyst Matt Barnes will talk about their journeys from UCLA and ways they have used basketball to open doors in their careers. These conversations will debut throughout the month on the team’s website and social channels.

Throughout February, the team will highlight local Black-owned businesses and in partnership with the Black Artist Fund, will feature work from local Black artists on the screens at the Grand Entrance to Golden 1 Center and near the corner of L and 5th Streets. The team will also amplify resource threads from experts and organizations striving to cultivate champions for change.

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Sacramento Kings Celebrate Black History Month

Throughout February and beyond, the Sacramento Kings are dedicated to celebrating and honoring Black history. This year, building upon the pillars of the organization’s “Pledge to Our Black Community” released in June 2020, the team developed programming for the entire month aimed at advancing racial equity through candid conversations, supporting Sacramento’s Black-owned businesses, investing in Black futures, highlighting local Black artists and honoring Black community leaders. These efforts were made possible in partnership with Golden 1 Credit Union, Arden Fair, SMUD and Crown Royal.

“For us, it’s really important to be able to use the platform that we have in the NBA, which is a great international platform, to create change and do good in the community. Vivek’s vision has always been to use this platform to help lift up the youth of our community and those that are most underserved in the Black community and give them opportunities that they might not otherwise have,” said Sacramento Kings President of Business Operations John Rinehart on ABC 10’s “Your California Life” morning show. “It’s much more than a month for us; it’s about the continuation of our dialogue. Our players, coaches and team members have been involved in the activities. And we couldn’t do any of the work we do without the partnerships and a lot of the great community leaders that we have.”

Advancing Racial Equity Through Candid Conversations

Focused on addressing racial justice, Kings players, coaches and broadcast talent took part in several dialogues, presented by the organization’s Black and Beyond and Diversity and Inclusion employee resource groups, to share their personal experiences and the action needed for sustainable change.

On February 5, rookie guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Glenn Robinson III joined Kings TV Play-by-Play Announcer and Host of Kings Pregame and Postgame Live Kyle Draper for a “Perspective” conversation to discuss their views on the status of race in America, what Black Lives Matter and white privilege means to them and why it is important to support Black businesses.

“Like Ty said, it’s [the term ‘Black Lives Matter’] very simple words. I think it means stop killing us, stop disrespecting us and treat us like human beings. I think it is very simple, but unfortunately, we are going to continue to have to say,” said Kings forward Glenn Robinson III. “All I ask and all I want is for that term to be taken seriously and people to understand that we are humans. We have the same right to live, and Black people are the most powerful people on this earth. I think once you continue to educate yourself, you continue to see we are all equal, and hopefully, we can get to that point.”

In addition, on March 1 and 2, the organization welcomed renowned sociologist, civil rights activist and author Dr. Harry Edwards for conversations with both players and coaches as well as team members to discuss the power of sports and its influence on race and society and the role we can all play in championing change.

Supporting Sacramento’s Black-Owned Businesses

“As the Build.Black. Coalition works to grow institutional investments in Black businesses and neighborhoods, we simultaneously recognize the value of a community using its spending power and voice to advocate for change and are excited to launch these new tools,” said Sierra Health Foundation President and CEO and a founding member of the Build.Black. Coalition Chet P. Hewitt. “We are proud of and grateful for our partnership with the Kings, who continue to demonstrate their commitment to equity by supporting Black social and economic power, both as individuals and as a team.”

In early February, Kings forward Harrison Barnes, in partnership with Goalsetter and the National Basketball Players Association, selected 500 youth from Build.Black. in Sacramento and T.L. Marsalis Elementary STEAM Academy in Dallas, opened a savings account and gifted them $40 – a historic nod to the government’s failed promise of “40 acres and a mule” land redistribution following the Civil War – as part of the “Drafted” Campaign to educate Black and Brown youth on financial literacy. Barnes also joined the Build.Black. podcast to talk about what “build black” means to him and participated in an NBA roundtable to discuss the ongoing movement for racial justice.

“I was excited to be a part of this because I think financial literacy is extremely important. Those were conversations that, at a young age, I wasn’t having simply because money was tight and you were just trying to put one foot in front of the next,” said Kings forward Harrison Barnes on the Build.Black. podcast. “The idea of saving and what you’re going to do with your money, seeing it grow and compound interest and all of these different things were not necessarily in my repertoire – and I think those lessons are extremely important for these young kids to have financial freedom as they get older.”

Furthering access to financial literacy, on February 26, the Kings and Golden 1 Credit Union hosted a Financial Education Workshop for Black college students from Sacramento State’s DEGREES Project and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

“At Golden 1, we believe in the power of education to strengthen the financial well-being of our diverse communities,” said Golden 1 Credit Union Vice President, Communications and Community Relations Erica Taylor. “We’re dedicated to providing the financial education tools that students need to live financially healthy lives.”

Recognizing the power of art and culture, in partnership with the Black Artists Fund, the team featured curated artwork from local Black artists on the screens located near the Grand Entrance and the corner of 5th and L Streets.

“With all of the dreams and goals that you’ve mentioned in mind, I think an important thing to understand is that a goal or a dream will remain a dream and not be accomplished unless we figure out the things we have to do to make them become a reality,” said spoken word artist and America’s Got Talent Season 15 Winner Brandon Leake. “And the thing about goals is that there’s always going to be adversity that you’re going to have to conquer to accomplish anything great. The real people who end up accomplishing their dreams – it’s not that they faced no problems or issues – the thing is that they were able to overcome them by having a plan set in place to be able to attack those things and address them. So, if you can think of the issues you might face between here and your goals, then you may actually be able to avoid the potholes that get in your way.”

“Arden Fair is proud to join in this celebration of uplifting vital voices of change in our community,” said Arden Fair Marketing Director Nathan Spradlin. “The opportunity to inspire Sacramento’s youth is at the heart of our partnership.”

The Sacramento region is rich with leaders tirelessly working to make meaningful change in our community. In February, the Kings virtually honored four Black community leaders with the annual Dream All-Star Award, powered by SMUD. The Dream All-Star Awardees were chosen for their impactful work advocating for health, social and economic services and championing education:

“We’re proud to be honoring Black leaders in our community who are making significant contributions to our neighborhoods,” said SMUD CEO and General Manager Paul Lau.  “It’s because of these leaders and those that came before them, that we support a variety of programs and services to provide equity and access to opportunities for clean transportation, bill savings, healthcare, education and social services.  We will continue to work with our community partners throughout the year as we work to improve the lives of our customers.”

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How would you describe your role with the Sacramento Kings?

My current role with the Sacramento Kings is in membership sales and service, as an account manager of our partial ticket membership packages.  I give our members dedicated year-round service during the season and off-season to assist and answer any question about their account and make sure they have a first in class memorable experience every time they enter the Golden 1 Center.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I enjoy getting to know my members and hearing about all their favorite Sacramento Kings memories and seeing the excitement on their faces on game night. For my members, I also assist with birthday messages on the video screen, player meet-and-greets, and many pre-and post-game fan experiences. To see the little kids light up when they get up close to their favorite players and get autographs makes the whole job so exciting, especially when you help organize it.

My biggest role model is my uncle, Sacramento City Councilman Rick Jennings. His life mission has always been to give back and serve in his community and along with his generosity and strong work ethic.  He is an excellent example of how I want to continue to put people first.  In addition to this, I appreciate how he is so confident in himself and his decision-making.  

Many of his projects give back to his community. He is also the CEO of the Center for Fathers and Families, a Sacramento-based non-profit agency with a strong history of responding to the needs of fathers and their families. This is something that I admire because I believe helping others around you is of utmost importance. By leading with such a strong will and concern for those around him, Rick Jennings taught me how to believe in myself and others around me.  Because of his commitment to service, I’m currently involved in giving back to my community through mentorship programs and various outreaches in Sacramento. 

How would you define Black culture, and why it’s important to celebrate?

Black Culture is something incredible! Black Culture is taking pride in who you are and where you come from, we’ve made such progress over the years. We’ve gone from shackles to owning our own banks, real estate companies, restaurants, and many other thriving businesses. We as a culture must continue stepping out and creating a successful blueprint for the next generation to follow and to make bigger and better.  We must celebrate our progress as a culture because 55 years ago we had to fight for civil rights, not to mention that our first 400 or so years in the Western World were spent in chains. Just think for a second. Black culture in America was established and continued for almost a half-millennium in bondage. We have been free from slavery for only 155 years. So, we need to continue to blaze the trail so we can look back 150+ years from now and not only embrace our roots but embrace our incredible progress.

What advice would you give to fellow African Americans who are striving to succeed in the sports and entertainment industry? 

The most important piece of advice is to be confident in who you are and what you bring to the table. Never stop working hard. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You MUST be dependable and willing to always go the extra mile. The sports and entertainment industry is fast-paced and very exciting.  So, come willing to work and be organized and the sky is the limit.  We’re waiting on you.

As we learn from the past and honor the legacy and contributions of Black leaders from history, how can each take action in the present to build a more just, equal, and inclusive future?

It is common to think that an inclusive model of behavior has to do with others. Instead, it is important to start with ourselves and our own level of awareness, openness, and information on the subject. The more we work on ourselves, it is easier to be sensitive to others and it is more natural to operate more inclusively. 

Why is it important to continue to encourage diversity in the workplace?

Decisive and collective action is needed to build a workplace that promotes cohesion, embraces diversity, nurtures talent, offers opportunities for everyone which helps to improve livelihoods and workplaces. Every company should and must adopt progressive policies and practices which eliminate bias and discrimination to create a culture that’s equitable for everyone.

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Black History Month Spotlight: Account Manager, Membership Services William Ursery

Dr. Harry Edwards is a world-renowned sociologist, author, professor and civil rights activist.

Dr. Edwards is an advocate for African-American athletes and a major influencer in sports and diversity development. Over the last four decades, he's been a staff consultant for the San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors. Dr. Edwards was also involved in efforts to develop and hire minority talent for front-office positions in Major League Baseball.

On Monday, Dr. Edwards spoke with players and the coaching staff for the Sacramento Kings for a wide-ranging discussion. Tuesday, Dr. Edwards will speak with all team members in the organization to conclude Black History Month.

Dr. Edwards attended San Jose State University and became the first black student-athlete since the early 1950s to graduate from the university within the time frame of his athletic eligibility, according to the California State University website.

Dr. Edwards earned a PhD from Cornell and is currently a sociology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where his writing and research focuses on “developments at the interface of sport, race and society, particularly as pertains to the experiences of African-Americans."

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Dr. Harry Edwards Visits Kings for Black History Month Discussion

In honor of Black History Month, the Kings organization is highlighting members of the team who have made an impact in their field while also representing their African American heritage.

As Jr. Kings Manager, I'm responsible for all aspects of youth basketball programming, while planning and activating initiatives and events within the social responsibility team.

What I most enjoy about my job is the opportunity to pass down my knowledge of the game of basketball to the youth, while being able to interact with members of the Sacramento community on an array of different initiatives.

There’s been a countless amount of coaches, friends and family members who have served as role models in my life. But my biggest role models outside of my parents are my oldest brothers, Jamaal and Etop Udo-Ema. They both provide a blueprint to life about morals, values and aspirations as a black man in society. They make following in footsteps the easiest, because I am learning from those who have already worn those shoes.

How would you define black culture, and why is it important to celebrate?

I feel like black culture is unique – you can see a piece of our heritage in all aspects of life. Black culture is important to celebrate, because teachings from our past are still prevalent in our present. The only way for the youth to know where they are going in life is to learn from where we have been as a people.

What advice would you give to fellow African Americans who are striving to succeed in the sports and entertainment industry?

Keep applying and applying, learn from each interview and experience, and once you get in the door be present and hold yourself accountable and continue to strive to be great.

As we learn from the past and honor the legacy and contributions of black leaders from history, how can each take action in the present to build a more just, equal, and inclusive future?

I believe the pain and sacrifice that many have gone through from our past have helped us build and gain the strength to continue to fight for equality. The biggest challenge is breaking the stigma or disdain from the past, while tearing down the generational cycle of racism and inequality within everyone. The one thing I believe everyone needs to be open to doing is coming to the table, listen, and have the difficult talks that will often make individuals uncomfortable. After those conversations, everything has to be followed by action to follow our words.

Diversity in the workplace creates a platform where we can maximize creativity and help grow to new levels while creating a productive organization.

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Black History Month Spotlight: Jr. Kings Manager Justin Williams

I would describe my role as an honor and a privilege. I get to spend every day impacting the lives of young men who come from many different races, backgrounds and creeds. I can provide tangible life experience combine with skills learned in school to hopefully help them along their journey.

The coolest thing about my job is that no day is ever the same. I wake up knowing that my days will be filled with positive energy (even when times are tough). I get to know these young men in a way that most will not. I know their families, their secrets and their shortcomings. Essentially, I get to help enhance the life of people who enhance the lives of others.

My parents (George and Carol Duncan) hands down are my role models. My father passed when I was a young man (19 years of age). In the short period time he taught me how to be a man. He taught me how earn and give respect to those who deserve it. He also taught me to stand up for what’s right in all situations. My mother who is now 85 years old taught me patience, love and resilience. She is unbelievable but humble as they come. If you know me then you will know my feelings about Muhammed Ali. He is the greatest for many reasons however, his brashness and unwillingness to settle for social injustice has been a major contributor to my self-esteem and personal development. Plus, you have to love someone who isn’t afraid to tell you what they are going to do and follow through with it. My modern day role model is Dr. Harry Edwards. He is everything that I hoped to be in academia and sport. He is the social presence that I have dreamed of one day being. I will always follow his lead in the fight for social justice.

Black culture is the “world’s culture” now. It is undeniable. The music, art, clothes is the swagger that we created is what everyone wants to be associated with daily. Everyone copies black culture. Well I say this…Don’t emulate us if you don’t respect us. If you respect us then celebrate us as we celebrate other cultures. Don’t give us a month or some days and think that its ok. Our forefathers built this country with brick and mortar. We have carried this country on our backs (at times unwillingly). Don’t tell me we should be happy and lucky to live in this country. Tell me how happy and lucky this country is to have us here.

Keep grinding! This isn’t an easy profession for anyone to get into (or stay in). The unfortunate reality is that you will be passed over for promotions. You will be over worked and underpaid. You will likely not be appreciated for what you do on a daily basis. However, you are necessary. It is important for children (especially black children) to see that they can be close to something love without just being a player. It is important for them to see the Maurice Brazelton's, Alvin Gentry's and Eric King's of the world. Black faces in leadership position moving the needle daily.

We must read more! We must find the information that isn’t being taught in schools or shared on social media. We also must open our hearts to understand that the majority of America has been taught a lie. We must have grace and patience with people who are only saying and doing what they have been taught in their own personal world. We must not succumb to the evil of racism, sexism, colorism or any other ism that isn’t moving the world in the right direction. Start with love and it will end with respect.

Diversity is not just about race. Gender, religion and sexual preference are areas in need of addressing on daily basis. Smart people come from all different backgrounds and viewpoints. We all view the world through a different lens. Because of this, we must have all parties at the table. With everyone at the table we have an opportunity to move the needle across a greater divide. Imagine the best ideas and thoughts from every race, gender and thought process in one room making things right for each other? This is my dream!

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Black History Month Spotlight: VP, Kings Academy & Professional Development Galen Duncan

As the Vice President of Security Operations, I’m responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of enterprise-wide security and crisis management strategies for the Sacramento Kings organization, to ensure the safety of all guests and employees. 

What I most enjoy about my job is the opportunity to create unique and seamless security protocols across an array of diverse events. Working with my team to ensure a best in class guest experience is very fulfilling. 

There’s been so many dear friends, national figures, and family members who have inspired me and served as role models. However, my mother has been my biggest role model. Growing up in the Jim Crow south, she was not afforded the opportunity to achieve some of the basic successes many enjoy in life. Nevertheless, she was steadfast in her determination to guide her family towards a better life. She taught me how to be resilient when faced with challenges, strength when I felt dismayed, and most importantly, humbleness and appreciation. Like many Black mothers, she sacrificed so much without consideration for herself. She had a vision of a better future for her family. 

Black culture is very unique and defines the beauty and richness of our heritage. It derives from generations of experiences prior to slavery, through slavery, and modern-day successes and challenges.

I feel it’s important to celebrate Black culture because it’s woven into the fabric of American culture. It’s also very important that younger generations learn about their culture and the extraordinary contributions Blacks have made to this country. Celebrating Black culture should be embraced with an equal amount of pride and joy as other cultural traditions and events.

There are so many great opportunities in the sports and entertainment industry. I would advise fellow African Americans to be curious and explore the opportunities that you feel a connection to. Leverage your skills and experiences, and most importantly, be present and hold yourself accountable to be your best.

As we learn from the past and honor the legacy and contributions of Black leaders from history, how can each take action in the present to build a more just, equal, and inclusive future? 

I believe the gravitational pull towards a more just, equal, and inclusive society is right in front of us. The challenge is breaking the stigma of fear that many feel in regards to their own personal loss in an equality driven society. Breaking the generational cycle of learned racism and stereotypes aimed at others different from yourself are also significant barriers.

All generations must challenge themselves to be more thoughtful and willing to have uncomfortable conversations. Just as important, non-Blacks should not be made to feel totally responsible for the actions of past generations within their culture. Consistent and meaningful actions are key to continued progress. 

Diversity in the workplace simply makes us better. The enrichment of diverse professional and life experiences contributes to more thoughtful and meaningful engagements across all lines of business. Organizations that embrace this type of learning approach, create a more inclusive and productive work environment.

Black History Month

Recap: Kings Celebrate Black History Month

Sacramento Kings Celebrate Black History Month

Recap: Kings Celebrate Black History Month

Black History Month Spotlight: Account Manager, Membership Services William Ursery

Dr. Harry Edwards Visits Kings for Black History Month Discussion

Black History Month Spotlight: Jr. Kings Manager Justin Williams

Black History Month Spotlight: VP, Kings Academy & Professional Development Galen Duncan

Black History Month Spotlight: Vice President of Security Operations Timothy Lea