Historically Black Colleges and Universities held a special spot in the spotlight at Sunday night’s NBA All-Star Game at State Farm Arena.
The NBA celebrated HBCUs during the game, with a court designed to represent the best of HBCU academics, music and campus life; performances by HBCU musical acts; HBCU alumni, faculty and students among the few invited guests to be in the stands and more.
“In addition to music, content and storytelling, the league will spotlight HBCU students and alumni through the Michelob Ultra Courtside virtual fan experience, student artwork, in-arena activations, merchandise and partnerships,” event officials wrote.
All three of the game’s referees, including Clark Atlanta University graduate Tony Brown, are HBCU alumni.
The Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society Choir will perform an original rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” prior to tipoff. They will be introduced by rapper and Florida A&M University alumni Common. There will also be performances by the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band and the FAMU Marching 100.
Morehouse College’s Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity — Alpha Rho Chapter will also introduce their step team along with the brothers of Southern University’s Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity — Sigma Alpha Chapter.
Seven artists who currently attend HBCUS will have their custom artwork displayed at State Farm Arena, in the players’ hotel and across NBA platforms.
HBCU alumni, students and faculty will join frontline workers in the crowd of just 1,500 fans.
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