The Magic’s Black History Month celebration includes HBCU Night, Black Business Spotlights, Black Business Summit, an art contest and a Black History Month in-game celebration
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic join the NBA and its teams to celebrate February as Black History Month hosting a variety of activities tipping off on Tuesday, February 7 when the Magic host historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) for HBCU Night at the Magic vs. Knicks matchup. The Magic’s Black History Month celebration will continue throughout the month with Black Business Spotlights at two games, the Black Business Summit, Celebrating Black History Creative Contest, and the month will close out with an in-game celebration, details and dates below:
February 7, 2023
HBCU Night
@ Magic vs. Knicks matchup
HBCU Night will feature a pregame mixer and in-game recognition and activities. Bethune Cookman University Marching Wildcats will be the featured halftime performance. Attendees are encouraged to represent their college or university at the game.
Through February 12, 2023
Celebrating Black History Creative Contest hosted alongside the Orlando Museum of Art
The art contest is open to 13 – 18-year-old students in Orange, Osceola, or Seminole County to express the personal impact of Black history and Black culture through a creative piece. The winners will be recognized during the Black History Month celebration at the Feb. 23 home game vs. Detroit. To enter and see full rules/details, please visit https://www.nba.com/magic/bhmartcontest2023
February 11 and 23, 2023
Black Business Spotlights
@ Amway Center, in-game
The Magic will highlight local, Black-owned businesses during two February home games. The Magic are inviting those businesses to the game and providing 10 businesses this year with memberships to the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF). The Magic is a Founding Trustee of the AACCCF. On Feb. 11, the Magic will host featured Black-owned business representatives in a suite for the game.
February 23, 2023
The Black Business Summit
@ Amway Center, Disney Atrium
The summit will bring together many of the most prominent African-American entrepreneurs, non-profit leaders and corporate executives in Orlando. Guests will have the opportunity to network and collaborate with a distinguished group of experts who are making meaningful contributions to the transformation of the city. The morning-long session is inspired by the vision and theme of the Magic’s new City Edition uniforms, “Kingdom on the Rise.” The summit will focus a discussion on how collaboration helps the entire region win and prosper together. In particular, how the African-American community contributes to, participates in and benefits from the economic growth of the Central Florida region. The summit will conclude with an alumni panel of former Magic players. The panel will discuss their time playing in the league and the transition to life after their playing careers, sharing unique experiences as both players and African-American businessmen.
February 23, 2023
Magic vs. Pistons BHM In-Game Celebration, tip-off 7 p.m.
During the game, the Magic will recognize and honor the many accomplishments and contributions of African Americans in the Central Florida community. The Magic will host local African-American leaders and spotlight their minority-owned business in an effort to recognize their local impact and drive business. The night will also feature recoginition for the Magic Diversity Game Changer presented by Florida Blue; the Hometown Hero — Chief of Orlando Police Department, Eric. D. Smith; and the winners of the Black History Month Art Contest. The night will include a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" prior to the National Anthem. In addition, on the concourse will be BHM-themed photobooths and the retail special of the night – a $15 BHM-inspired shirt. Fans can join the Black History Month in-game celebration on Feb. 23 by visiting https://www.nba.com/magic/schedule/home for ticket information.
In addition, throughout the month, the team will be wearing special shooting shirts designed by the NBA (Markelle Fultz pictured above).
As part of the Black History Month celebration in February and beyond, the Magic joins the NBA and its teams to support the leaguewide action through the theme, “Accurately Preserving History and Educating our Community.” This season, the Magic reaffirms the NBA’s commitment to Black history – which is foundational to American history – through reflection and action that honors this community’s past, present, and future. Without a firm and accurate understanding of Black history, communities cannot progress forward with integrity. Many aspects of the league are “Built by Black History,” and the future is being shaped by the on-and off-the-court contributions of Black players, coaches, employees and fans across the league, America and the diaspora. During Black History Month, the league and its teams are committed to celebrating legacy and redoubling the collective commitment to create a more diverse and equitable future.
The Magic celebrate diversity and embrace its many characteristics and the value it brings to both business and community—understanding what can be accomplished when everyone works together to achieve legendary moments. The Magic are committed to creating an environment in which employees, community partners and fans feel welcome, valued and appreciated.