The Nets recognize the contributions of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) during Black History Month. This night will include special performances, recognition and events.
In-Arena
National Anthem
Kimani Jackson – Florida A&M Alumni and Nets Entertainment Team Member
Halftime
Divine 9 – Step performance by members of historically black fraternities and sororities
Dance Performances
Brooklynettes
Team Hype
Merchandise Collaboration
Legacy History Pride
Legacy History Pride was founded on the vision of fulling the dream of a legacy, the history of family spirit and the pride of Black culture. The founder was born and raised in Brooklyn and graduated from Howard University.
Feature highlighting the merchandise collaboration with Legacy History Pride. The piece will tell the brand’s story and how the HBCU experience influences the vision and creativity behind their designers.
Items from the collection will be available starting Thurs, Feb 24 the Nets Team Store at Barclays Center for ticket holders and Fri, Feb 25 for the general public.
Pioneers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities
David Dinkins
(Howard University)
David Norman Dinkins was an American politician, lawyer, and author who served as the 106th Mayor of New York City from 1990 to 1993, becoming the first African American to hold the office.
Michael Strahan
(Texas Southern University)
Michael Strahan is an American television personality, space tourist, journalist, and Super Bowl champion. Strahan was inducted in the National Football Hall of Fame following a 15-year career with the New York Giants. Strahan is one of the preeminent television hosts in the country, currently hosting Good Morning America and serving as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports.
Earl G. Graves
(Morgan State University)
Earl Gilbert Graves Sr., a Brooklyn native, was an American entrepreneur, publisher, businessman, philanthropist, and advocate of African American businesses. A graduate of Morgan State University, he was the founder of Black Enterprise magazine and chairman of the media company Earl G. Graves, Ltd.
Susan Kelechi Watson
(Howard University)
Susan Kelechi Watson, a Brooklyn native, is an American actress. She is known for her work on the television show Louie and for her role as Beth Pearson in This Is Us. She was nominated for the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for the latter.
Leilani Irvin
(Benedict College)
Leilani Irvin is the Manhattan Borough Director at Department of Social Services. She also serves as the Second Vice President of NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch.
Community Activation
HBCU Fair and Panel
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 24
- Time: 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Overview: We will host a HBCU fair and admissions panel for local students at Barclays Center. We have 15 HBCUs that have agreed to participate and we anticipate 200-300 student participants.
HBCU Alumni Networking Mixer
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 24
- Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Overview: We will host a HBCU Alumni networking event at 40/40 for local alumni chapters prior to the game. Ciroc is the presenting sponsor and will proved cocktails for the event.