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Documentary will open deadCenter Film Festival June 10 at Scissortail Park

OKLAHOMA CITY, Thursday, May 5, 2022&nbsp;– Today, Oklahoma City Thunder Films released the trailer for its latest film, Seeds of Greenwood. The full film will debut Friday, June 10, at deadCenter Film Festival’s Friday Night Frolic at Scissortail Park in downtown Oklahoma City, with a Tulsa screening the following weekend.

A century after the Tulsa Race Massacre, Seeds of Greenwood explores how today’s generation is being planted and nurtured within the fertile soil of Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District. The film follows the birth of the Thunder’s innovative afterschool program, Thunder Fellows, and the inspirational journeys of students in the inaugural class. The Oklahoma City Thunder and CAA Sports developed the concept for Thunder Fellows following the murder of George Floyd and just prior to the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

“Thunder Fellows’ curriculum equips Black high school students in Tulsa with knowledge, skills, and connections that can lead to careers in professional sports, entertainment, and technology” said Cedric Ikpo, Thunder Fellows executive director. “This first year of the program has been an incredible journey. &nbsp;By combining our students’ curiosity with the latest technology and immersive experiences, we’re seeing them grow and flourish. It’s exciting to share on film what we get to see every day - how Thunder Fellows is making a difference for these kids and the community.”&nbsp;

This marks the fifth consecutive year for OKC Thunder Films to partner with deadCenter and debut a film at its annual festival.

“OKC Thunder Films is a collaboration between the Thunder’s broadcast and basketball communications divisions,” said Dan Mahoney, Thunder vice president of Broadcasting and an executive producer of Seeds of Greenwood. “Since 2015, we’ve been creatively bringing the stories and experiences of the people who make up the Oklahoma City Thunder to life. We’re honored to continue our partnership with deadCenter and share this powerful chapter within the Thunder organization.”

OKC Thunder Films also tapped into some local talent while producing Seeds of Greenwood. &nbsp;Oklahoma City Black-owned film company Notis Studios wrote and produced several original tracks for the film such as Good Morning and Greenwood Roads.

“We are always looking for ways to further connect in the community and were thrilled to connect and collaborate with Notis Studios,” Mahoney said. “The contribution of their original songs really captures the passion and depth of the Thunder Fellows story and program.”

In addition to the June 10 screening at Scissortail Park, a second Seeds of Greenwood screening is scheduled at Circle Cinema in Tulsa, Saturday, June 18. All screenings are free and open to the public. The film will also be available online beginning on Juneteenth – Sunday, June 19.

deadCenter Film is an Oklahoma City based nonprofit with statewide, national, and international engagement. Locally, deadCenter generates an economic impact of more than $5.5 million through our Festival each year and our free education programs reach more than 3,000 students statewide. The 22nd annual deadCenter film festival is June 9-12, in downtown Oklahoma City. For more information, visit www.deadcenterfilm.org.

Notis Studios is an independent film company out of Oklahoma City with a unique style of filmmaking and music production. This company is made up of five individuals that have brought their talents together to create interesting pieces of entertainment for the masses. Our goal is to continue to grow in our craft and release features, shorts, and micro-shorts and original soundtracks as often as possible, adding to the wealth of diverse films released each year.&nbsp;For more information, visit www.notisstudios.com.

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OKC Thunder Films Releases Trailer for Seeds of Greenwood

Celebrates Women’s History Month with mentor event for women business owners and tribute to Women of Thunder

Oklahoma&nbsp;City, Monday, March 21, 2022&nbsp;– In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Oklahoma&nbsp;City Thunder will host Caylee Dodson, executive director of RestoreOKC, along with RestoreOKC staff members at its Wednesday, March 23 game at Paycom Center. Dodson was recently named as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year for her work in establishing The Market at EastPoint in Northeast Oklahoma City.

“We are honored to host Caylee and the RestoreOKC family,” said Christine Berney, vice president of Community Engagement for the Thunder. “We have worked with RestoreOKC for many years and just this past November hosted our turkey giveaway at The Market at EastPoint for their clients. We know the huge impact they have in our community. We congratulate Caylee on her designation and are so grateful for her leadHERship and commitment to Oklahoma City.”

In addition to Wednesday night’s in-game recognition, the Thunder, and its partner StitchCrew, are for the first time ever, working with an all women-owned business cohort within its Thunder LaunchPad business accelerator program. Thursday, March 24, Thunder leadership – including several women in leadership – will serve as mentors in a speed dating style event where business owners will receive expertise in areas such as the Thunder’s signature customer experience product CLICK!, human resources, marketing, and sales.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the month, the Thunder is also featuring content on its channels that recognize the contributions of its 83 full-time female staff members. &nbsp;

For more information about the Thunder’s Women’s History Month celebration, visit https://www.nba.com/thunder/women-of-the-thunder.

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Thunder Hosts Caylee Dodson, A USA Today Woman of the Year

OKLAHOMA CITY, March 17, 2022 – Home-Court Support, the families of Oklahoma City Thunder players, coaches, and operations staff, will hold its annual shoe sale and raffle during Monday’s game against the Boston Celtics at Paycom Center.

Both new and player-worn shoes will be available in a grab-bag sale. For $100, fans will be able to purchase shoes in a blind pull. With 100 pairs of shoes available, at least 15 pairs will be autographed, including at least one pair from each Thunder player. Shoes purchased during the sale are on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to five purchases per person.

For $5, fans can also purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win baskets inspired by favorite things of each player and Head Coach Mark Daigneault. Each basket will include at least one autographed item.

Proceeds from the sale and raffle will benefit Cleats for Kids, a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that empowers kids to live healthier lifestyles and learn life lessons through sports by providing sports shoes and safe equipment to kids in need. The organization also encourages kids to give back to their community through volunteerism and philanthropy. The sale also benefits Home-Court Support programs, which empower women in the Oklahoma City community.

Fans attending Monday’s game against the Celtics can stop by the concourse tables near section 115 to take part in the sale and raffle. Both will begin at 5:30 p.m. when the arena opens for the game and will end at the conclusion of the third quarter.

Note: Paycom Center is a cashless venue and only debit or credit cards will be accepted for purchase.

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Thunder Holds Game Night Shoe Sale and Raffle

OKLAHOMA CITY, Tuesday, March 8, 2022 – The Oklahoma City Thunder and Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business are partnering to create the Thunder Leadership MBA program.

Formerly known as the Leadership MBA, the Thunder Leadership MBA curriculum includes collaboration with senior leadership from the Thunder who will provide insight into strategic business initiatives and guidance to graduate students as they complete a semester-long project that culminates with a presentation to team executives at Paycom Center.

“The opportunity to engage Thunder Leadership MBA students in present-day case studies and offer unique job-shadow experiences aligns with our vision to create the optimal conditions for people to thrive,” said Brian Byrnes, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing for the Thunder. “We are honored to collaborate with OCU’s MBA program and provide an innovative forum that will positively impact their professional journey.”

The partnership also includes opportunities for OCU undergraduate business students to leverage the home game experience as a Thunder practicum, enriching their understanding of business operations. Selected students will participate in a variety of exercises such as event planning, curating guest experiences, understanding marketing analytics, content design and multi-channel distribution.

“The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Meinders School of Business will become substantive partners in business education providing meaningful learning experiences for our students,” said Russell Evans, interim dean of the Meinders School of Business. “As students engage in these experiential learning opportunities in one of the most exciting environments in the city, a deeper understanding of classroom principles will emerge. This partnership is an example of our commitment to forming deep and strategic community relationships, and then leveraging those relationships on behalf of our students.”

The Thunder Leadership MBA and Thunder practicum will begin this fall. Applications are now open.

To learn more about the collaboration, please visit https://okcu.edu/thunder.

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Thunder and Oklahoma City University Create Innovative Graduate Degree Program

Tulsa and Chicago students learn about 1919 Chicago Race Riot and 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

TULSA, Okla. March 2, 2022 – For the second year, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls are partnering to provide a virtual Black history classroom exchange to teach Tulsa and Chicago high school students about two tragic events in U.S. history often left out of school curriculum – the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Beginning today, students from African American history classes at Chicago’s South Shore International College Preparatory High School and Tulsa’s McLain High School of Science and Technology will virtually participate in six interactive workshops together. In addition to today, workshops dates are March 9, April 6, April 20 and April 27.

The Thunder and the Bulls launched the multi-year partnership in 2021 on the heels of the centennial recognition of the Chicago Race Riot and just ahead of the 100-year mark of the Tulsa Race Massacre. This year, the curriculum is designed to inspire students to explore how resilience can be a vehicle to drive change through arts and culture within their communities.

“It’s so important that we continue to teach students about these chapters of history that were previously not discussed for decades,” said Christine Berney, vice president of Community Engagement for the Thunder. “By elevating these events, we’re educating students on the significance of Black Wall Street and the resilience of the Greenwood District. We’re preparing the next generation to better understand how we view our society today and how they can create meaningful change in their community.”

For more information, visit www.okcthunder.com/bhm.

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Thunder and Bulls Kick Off 2022 Black History Classroom Exchange

Team will honor and celebrate central figures in Black history and today’s Black voices

Oklahoma City, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022 – The Oklahoma City Thunder is celebrating Black History Month through in-game presentations, its annual Black Heritage Creative Contest, amplifying historical and modern-day Black voices, and various community events.

Games during Black History Month will include a performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing, known as the Black national anthem and a special Feb. 16 halftime performance by the Langston University Marching Band.  In addition to performances, fans will see Black history facts on arena digital boards and a tribute to civil rights pioneer Clara Luper and others on the chalk wall in section 312.  

Through the Black Heritage Creative Contest, sponsored by Sprite, students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit an original creative piece describing or depicting an inspiring experience, moment, or individual in black history, and how they’ve been personally influences. The contest closes on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Winners will be announced at the Feb. 28 game and receive game tickets, autographed Thunder gear, and have their artwork on display at Paycom Center, in the game-night program and online.

Each week in February the Thunder will publish content that features historical figures such as Solomon Sir Jones the Muskogee, Okla., minister who documented Black life in Oklahoma in the 1920s. His films are widely recognized as one of the most significant records of Black culture during that time. Content will also feature today’s Black voices including Thunder employees and other leaders in Oklahoma.  

The Thunder will also continue its Black History Month theme with its community programs such as the Rolling Thunder Book Bus and Little Library, Reading Time Out, and digital fan engagement.

For more information about the Thunder’s Black History Month efforts, visit https://www.nba.com/thunder/bhm.

Media&nbsp;note: For coverage of&nbsp;any of these&nbsp;activities, please contact&nbsp;the Thunder Corporate Communications staff.

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Thunder Celebrates Black History Month

OKLAHOMA CITY, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022&nbsp;– The Oklahoma City Thunder is asking ninth through 12th grade students – who inspires you? Students can answer that question and join in the celebration of Black History Month through the organization’s annual Black Heritage Creative Contest.

To enter, students will submit an original poster that displays an inspirational experience, moment or individual in Black history that conveys how they have been personally inspired. White copy or poster paper, no smaller than 8.5" x 11", and no larger than 12" x 18"&nbsp;in size must be used.&nbsp;

Four contest winners will be selected to receive a Thunder prize package that includes:

The deadline to submit artwork is Feb. 16. For more information and entry details, visit www.okcthunder.com/blackheritage.

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Thunder Accepting Entries for Annual Black Heritage Creative Contest

OKLAHOMA CITY, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 – The Oklahoma City Thunder and Whataburger have partnered to help fight hunger in Oklahoma for the eighth consecutive season. Starting today, fans will have the opportunity to participate in the effort both in-person at Whataburger restaurants and at the Dec. 1 and Dec. 12 Thunder home games.

All proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will benefit school-based and child programs at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma as part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program.

“As we continue to navigate through a pandemic, community organizations like the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma have become even more critical for so many families across the state,” said Christine Berney, vice president of Community Engagement for the Thunder. “We’re honored to enter our eighth year of partnership with Whataburger to help alleviate food insecurity in Oklahoma,”

The fundraiser will run through Dec. 13. For every donation at either Thunder home game in December, fans will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Thunder autographed item and a free Whataburger for a Year gift basket. Customers who make donations in person at participating Whataburger restaurants will receive a coupon for a free Whataburger with purchase of a medium fry and 32 oz. drink.

“Whataburger’s long-standing partnership with the Thunder is more essential than ever to help address food insecurity in Oklahoma,” said Judy Gambino, Whataburger director of Operations. “We are passionate about supporting local students and families as part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program. Through our continued efforts with the Thunder and our loyal customers, we want to provide youth with the resources they need to be successful and achieve their dreams.”

In-person donations can be made at 32 area Whataburger restaurants across Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lawton.

For more information, visit okcthunder.com/foodbank and stories.whataburger.com.

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Thunder and Whataburger Team Up to Fight Hunger

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