Hawks and Chase host HBCU Evening, remodeling area into cultural homecoming celebration.
Storytelling, career-building, and monetary empowerment featured in pregame hearth chat.
Halftime present spotlights marching bands, dance groups, and interactive fan actions.
It’s STILL #BlackHistoryMonth, and if there’s one factor Atlanta will do, it’s present up for its personal–particularly in the case of the Hawks and traditionally Black schools and universities.
On Saturday, Feb. 7, the Hawks, in partnership with Chase, reworked State Farm Area right into a cultural homecoming for the franchise’s eighth annual HBCU Evening. Because the crew took on the Charlotte Hornets in entrance of a packed crowd, the power within the constructing felt much less like a regular-season sport and extra like a celebration of legacy, excellence, and Black satisfaction.
From the second I arrived, the sector was buzzing. Seats have been stuffed early with followers from throughout Atlanta and past, many proudly representing their alma maters. On the screens, energetic crowd photographs highlighted alumni and college students from totally different traditionally Black schools and universities, reinforcing the spirit of unity that HBCUs have all the time fostered.
Storytelling At The Heart
Earlier than the sport even tipped off, the Hawks and Chase hosted a non-public pregame hearth chat titled “From Atlanta to the World: The Energy of Storytelling, Tradition and Neighborhood.” The dialog featured Florida A&M College alumnus and award-winning movie producer Will Packer, founder and CEO of Will Packer Productions, moderated by Imani Ellis, founder and CEO of CultureCon.
Although the in-person chat was non-public, followers have been capable of livestream the dialogue, which centered on profession constructing, monetary empowerment, and the worldwide energy of Black storytelling. Packer emphasised that the partnership between the Hawks and Chase represents greater than a one-night activation. It’s an funding in future storytellers and leaders.
That intentionality carried all through the night.
A Soundtrack Of Black Excellence
The night time opened with a robust efficiency from Clark Atlanta College’s Philharmonic Society choir, one of many nation’s main choirs with nationwide and worldwide recognition. Their rendition of the Nationwide Anthem set a reverent but triumphant tone.
On the concourse, members of Clark Atlanta’s Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Pi Chapter, introduced custom to life with a spirited stroll that drew cheers from close by followers.
By halftime, the sector was absolutely immersed in HBCU tradition. Alabama A&M College’s “Marching Maroon and White” and Clark Atlanta College’s “Mighty Marching Panthers” took the ground for a dynamic joint efficiency that felt like a basic Southern homecoming showdown.
I had the chance to be escorted courtside to view the halftime present up shut, and the precision, sound, and showmanship have been unmatched.
The ATL Dancers additionally took the highlight, joined by Mahogany in Movement, the official dance crew of Spelman and Morehouse Faculty. The mix {of professional} NBA leisure and collegiate efficiency groups created a seamless bridge between campus tradition and the massive league stage.
HBCU Evening was not nearly performances; it was interactive and layered.
At one level, Georgia Lottery prize balls dropped from the ceiling, giving followers the possibility to actually attain for the sky in hopes of grabbing a profitable alternative. There was additionally a half-court jackpot shot try that introduced your entire area to its ft. Although the fan didn’t make the shot, the second captured the communal pleasure that outlined the night.
All through the sport, the Hawks and Chase spotlighted Spelman Faculty graduate Dr. Zerita Buchanan, proprietor of Dental Goals, LLC, a non-public dental observe that doubles as a vocational coaching heart and innovation hub for college students pursuing careers in dentistry. The group additionally hosted an HBCU Pupil Market on the concourse, amplifying younger entrepreneurs and reinforcing the financial energy inside these establishments.
Followers in attendance acquired a Peachtree-themed Metropolis Version rally towel courtesy of Chase, including one other layer of unity as hundreds waved them in sync.
Tradition On And Off The Court docket
Even between performs, the Hawks discovered methods to weave tradition into the expertise. Throughout in-game options, gamers shared their private “Mount Rushmore” of artists. Drake, Lauryn Hill, J. Cole, and extra made appearances throughout totally different lists. It was a delicate however significant reminder that the gamers followers cheer for are formed by the identical cultural influences because the communities they signify.
Past the scoreboard, the camaraderie amongst totally different HBCU supporters stood out most. There was no rivalry power, solely satisfaction: totally different colours, totally different chapters, one shared legacy.
The Hawks have lengthy championed their “True to Atlanta” mantra, and on this HBCU night time, that dedication felt tangible. It was not only a themed sport. It was a reminder that Black schooling, Black artistry, and Black entrepreneurship stay central to Atlanta’s heartbeat.
For just a few hours inside State Farm Area, it felt like your entire tradition had a courtside seat.
