Atlanta Hawks Having 8th Annual HBCU Night
The Atlanta Hawks once again highlight HBCU excellence as the franchise prepares for its eighth annual HBCU Night, presented by Chase, on Saturday, February 7 at State Farm Arena.
The evening, which coincides with the Hawks' 7:30 p.m. tipoff against the Charlotte Hornets, is described as a “complete celebration” of the legacy and impact of Historically Black colleges and universities, honoring more than 100 institutions whose influence continues to shape black leadership, creativity and innovation. All fans in attendance will receive a Peachtree-themed City Edition rally towel courtesy of Chase.
Prior to the game, the Hawks and Chase will host a private, pregame fireside chat with award-winning producer and FAMU Rattler, Will Packer, whose expertise is behind some of Hollywood's most commercially successful films.
Title From Atlanta to the World: The Power of Stories, Culture, and Community, the conversation will be moderated by CultureCon founder and CEO Imani Ellis and streamed live for fans on Hawks.com/stream.
“The commitment of the Hawks and Chase to honor and support HBCUs goes far beyond one night,” Packer said in a statement. “They're about a culture of investing in the next generation of storytellers and leaders.”
On the court and throughout the arena, the night's programming will lean heavily on HBCU traditions, pageantry, y and pride.
Clark Atlanta University's Philharmonic Society choir will open the evening with the National Anthem, followed by a walk across the concourse by the Alpha Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
At halftime, the sounds of Alabama A&M University's 'Marching Maroon and White' will meet the rhythms of Clark Atlanta's Mighty Marching Panthers in a joint performance that spotlights two of the nation's most celebrated HBCU bands.
Dance will also take center stage, with the Hawks' ATL Dancers along with Mahogany in Motion, the official dance team of Spelman College and Morehouse College.
The evening will also highlight entrepreneurship and impact.
A press release reports that during the game, the Hawks and Chase will recognize Spelman College alumna Dr. Zerita Buchanan, owner of Dental Dreams, LLC, a private dental practice that doubles as a vocational training center and innovation hub for aspiring dental professionals. Fans will also have the opportunity to support emerging talent through an HBCU Student Marketplace on the concourse.
“We are honored to partner with Chase in highlighting the profound impact of historically black colleges and universities,” said Camye Mackey, the Hawks' Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. “HBCUs play a critical role in developing future leaders, advancing opportunity and strengthening communities across the nation.”
In continued support of HBCU culture, State Farm Arena will host HBCU AWARFEST on Thursday, March 26, presented by Live Nation Urban and Student Freedom Initiative.
Limited tickets remain for HBCU Night presented by Chase. Fans can secure seats at Hawks.com/tickets.
