The Atlanta Hawks hosted their fourth annual ‘HBCU Night presented by Chase’ at the award-winning State Farm Arena on Saturday, Feb. 26. The organization will dedicated this night to celebrating the educational excellence and unique culture of the more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), originally founded as institutions of higher learning for African Americans, and the Black Greek Letter Organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, collectively referred to as the Divine Nine (D9).
Prior to the start of the game, the Hawks hosted a panel with several HBCU alumni titled ‘Advancing the Legacy: Empowering the Next Generation Presented by Chase’. This discussion will highlighted the importance of authentically engaging with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their role in shaping the next generation of leaders.
This panel, taking place at the suite level event space will be moderated by Dani Canada, Entertainment Host, Hampton University Alum, AKA and managing editor of ‘Bossip’, the premier destination for African American popular culture and entertainment. Featured speakers include Cassandra Joseph (Spelman College Director of Corporate Relations and Partnerships), Brigitte Killings (Community Banking & Business Development, Managing Director (South) for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Tuskegee University Alumna & AKA), Brandi Shelton (Just Add Honey Founder and CEO, Xavier University of Louisiana Alumna) and Rashida Winfrey (VP, Senior Business Consultant, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Clark Atlanta University Alumna).
A pregame parade and step show will take place at the suite level event space on the concourse of State Farm Arena and feature performances from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (Spelman College), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Morehouse College), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (Spelman), and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. (Morehouse and Clark Atlanta University). Additionally, saxophonist, Larry “Laj” J. Smith II (Florida A&M University alum) will perform the U.S. and Canadian national anthems prior to tipoff.
As part of in-game festivities, Morehouse Choir will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at halftime. Hawks’ in-arena host Shamea Morton (Morris Brown alumna) will lead the crowd in dance during a quarter break. Morton also serves as co-host of V-103’s ‘The Big Tigger Morning Show.’
During the game and through social recognition, the Hawks and Chase will honor Black-owned family business, MOKIPOPS. MOKIPOPS is an all-natural popsicle company started by three kid siblings in 2016. Through six years, they have sold thousands of frozen fruit bars in local retailers, special events and corporate orders. At halftime, fans will enjoy a special music and dance performance by Hawks Entertainment’s ATL BOOM (drumline) and Mahogany-N-Motion, the official dance team of Spelman College and Morehouse College House of Funk Band.
“Our nation’s and our city’s HBCUs form the foundation for the next generation of Black leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, artists and so much more,” said Rashida Winfrey, Minority Entrepreneurs Consultant at Chase (Clark Atlanta University alumna). “Supporting our city’s HBCUs opens more doors for students’ future careers, strengthens our relationships within the local community and creates pathways for the next generation to attend HBCUs. We’re honored to celebrate their legacy with the Hawks.”
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