SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – On Feb. 3, the Sacramento Kings announced their 25th Annual Black History Month celebration, dedicated to uplifting and honoring the local Black community. Through impactful events, mentorship opportunities and meaningful collaborations, the team continues its tradition of amplifying voices, recognizing leaders, and providing opportunities for diverse youth.

“We are proud to celebrate the profound legacy and enduring influence of the Black community, whose contributions have shaped our shared history and culture,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “As an organization, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating pathways for Black and diverse youth to succeed, empowering them to thrive and prioritize their personal and professional growth.”

On Feb. 5, the Kings hosted their annual Black History Month and Historically Black Colleges and Universities game as the team takes on the Orlando Magic. Before the game, Lift Every Voice, the Black National Anthem, was performed by Tayondee Kelly followed by the National Anthem performed by Jeff Cook. Miss Spelman College, Mallory Butts, served as the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Captain of the Game and co-host for the in-game entertainment. At halftime, sororities and fraternities from the Divine Nine took to the court with a special performance. As part of the Kings 916 Amplified initiative, a program that leverages the organization’s platform to shine a light on diverse local creatives, artists and small businesses in the Sacramento area, art from the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum was on display on the arena concourse. In addition, nearly 100 youth from National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) attended the game and shared resources on the concourse.

On Feb. 8, during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Kings honored the 26th Annual MLK Celebration Sacramento youth essay winner, who shared their vision for a better future and actions to achieve it. Members of the Green Ambitions cohort, a group of 25 Black and Brown youth funded by the NBA Foundation, attended the game and participated in a career panel later in the week. The cohort, which includes youth affiliated with GreenTech, My Brother’s Keeper and United Way California Capital Region, learned about careers in sports and entertainment, with a focus on sustainability.

The celebration will continue Feb. 24, during College Night presented by UC Davis Graduate School of Management, as the Kings face the Charlotte Hornets. During the game, the Kings will announce the recipient of the Future is Yours Scholarship, awarded in partnership with the Trajectory Foundation and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s G-Unity Foundation. The scholarship will provide $20,000 over four years to assist in higher education costs. Students from Burbank High School, ranging from freshmen to seniors who serve on an advisory board dedicated to promoting equity and equality within the Sacramento City Unified School District will also attend the game and participate in a behind the scenes experience with Kings team members.

The NBA Foundation, created in August 2020, is the league’s first-ever charitable foundation dedicated to advancing economic opportunity for Black youth. All NBA teams contribute $1 million annually to support national and local organizations that drive equity and opportunity.

Throughout the month, fans will enjoy food from Kings Pop Up Kitchen featuring the unique flavors of local minority-owned restaurants located at the Market Kitchen stand near Section 201, including Bear West BBQ (2/5), Forgotten Bakery (2/8), Saucy Oysters (2/21) and Dubplate Kitchen and Jamaican Cuisine (2/24).

Peoples Beer Lager and Pride Hazy IPA by Oak Park Brewery will be available at the Power Market Grab and Go near Section 117 and PATH Grab and Go near Section 206.

During the month fans can also purchase merchandise made in collaboration black-owned businesses including Advisry, Brand Seen, and Cross Colours in Label K, the Kings Team Store in DOCO.