Photo: Ford, Brad
The Portland Trail Blazers are celebrating Black History Month throughout February with a variety of events at the Rose Quarter and across the community including celebration nights, restaurant features, educational opportunities for youth, digital content and more. The Trail Blazers will feature amazing individuals supporting the Black community in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States. To learn more about the entire month, visit Trailblazers.com/BHM
"We’re excited to tip off a month full of activities and partnerships that highlight the contributions, creativity, and strength of the vibrant Black community here in Rip City,” said Michelle, Senior Director of DEI, Portland Trail Blazers. “As we celebrate the lasting legacy and year-round impact of Black culture both on and off the court, we also honor those who have fought for justice throughout history and amplify the voices of those who continue that fight today. In addition to uplifting Rip City’s Black voices, we work to amplify those across the nation with our HBCU to the Pros Weekend, thanks to some help from our friends at Alaska Airlines."
CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY NIGHT PRESENTED BY TICKETMASTER
On February 1, the Trail Blazers will host the annual Celebration of Black History, presented by Ticketmaster, as the team takes on the Phoenix Suns. Before the action starts, the Trail Blazers will highlight local Black icons including former and current Miss Black Oregon USA 2025 as well as The Brown Sisters of Portland to sing the National Anthem. At halftime, Portland-based performing arts group Sebe Kan Drum & Dance Troupe will give a dynamic and high-energy performance to celebrate African heritage. Throughout the game, fans will find an array of activities, celebratory displays and local Black community-serving nonprofits on the concourse including the Community Partner of the game, Urban League who will benefit from the evening’s fundraising efforts. Fans can also support Urban League through the limited-edition Rip City Made Collection featuring a t-shirt, hoodie, cap and a 12 oz. bag of whole bean coffee designed and roasted in collaboration with Deadstock Coffee.
HBCU TO THE PROS WEEKEND PRESENTED BY ALASKA AIRLINES
In partnership with Alaska Airlines, the Trail Blazers will host their annual HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) to the Pros Weekend - a full weekend celebration of the HBCU experience across the Portland community. The highlight of the weekend will be the annual HBCU to the Pros Game Night on February 22 when the team takes on the Charlotte Hornets at 7:00 p.m. Other elements of the weekend include community events, performances, and a youth mixer with local HBCU & D9 alumni. The two organizations have once again partnered with an HBCU to fly out their marching band and auxiliary units, stay tuned for that announcement in the coming weeks.
RESTAURANT FEATURES & CAREER PANELS
All of Rip City can join the Trail Blazers in supporting amazing Black-owned restaurants in Portland through the in-arena PDX Chef Collective and Restaurant Takeover at Deadstock Coffee. At each celebration game, a series of restaurants will be highlighted at the PDX Chef Collective at A17 including Asona Cuisine, Le Bon Temps Café and Jamaican Homestyle Cuisine. On February 15, the Trail Blazers will host a Restaurant Takeover with Deadstock Coffee, there the Blazers will have an open tab, swag for fans and even a chance to win prizes like game tickets and more. Later in the month, the Blazers will host a mixer with the Trail Blazers Black Employee Network (BEN) and fellow Black employee resource groups from local organizations to discuss the experiences of Black creatives in art, culture, music and sports.
DIGITAL CONTENT
Throughout February, look out for exciting social and video content showcasing Black leaders throughout Portland, within the Trail Blazers organization, and beyond. Fans can expect to see familiar and new faces, including player content, Deadstock Run Club Founder Amir Armstrong, North East Production owner and Albina Rose Alliance videographer Devin Boss, HBCU educational content of local leaders and more. This content series is an opportunity to inform and educate Rip City on the amazing group of Black leaders that reside within our community and help to make it thrive every single day.
Keep an eye out on Trail Blazers social media channels, game broadcasts on the Rip City Television Network, and Trailblazers.com for more information on Black History Month celebrations and opportunities to engage with the organization and community.
Source: Portland Trail Blazers
