The Atlanta Hawks will host their eighth annual HBCU Night presented by Chase at State Farm Arena on Saturday, Feb. 7. Tipoff against the Charlotte Hornets is set for 7:30 p.m. The night honors the academic excellence and cultural legacy of more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Fans in attendance will receive a Peachtree-themed City Edition rally towel, courtesy of Chase.
“We are proud to continue our annual tradition with the Atlanta Hawks in honoring the academic excellence and lasting legacy of HBCUs,” said Brigitte Killings, Tuskegee University alumna and Chase’s Community and Business Development Director for the South. “HBCUs play a vital role in developing talent, driving innovation, and preparing the next generation of Black leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and changemakers. At Chase, our commitment to supporting these institutions and their students remains strong.”
Before the game, the Hawks and Chase will host a private fireside chat featuring Florida A&M University alumnus and film producer Will Packer, Founder and CEO of Will Packer Productions. Titled “From Atlanta to the World: The Power of Storytelling, Culture and Community,” the conversation will be moderated by Imani Ellis, Founder and CEO of CultureCon. Fans can watch the live stream at Hawks.com/stream. Packer will discuss his career, storytelling, and the business of Hollywood, with a focus on financial insight and empowerment.
“The commitment of the Hawks and Chase to honor and support HBCUs goes far beyond a single night. They are about a culture of investing in the next generation of storytellers and leaders,” said Will Packer, Founder and CEO of Will Packer Productions. “I’m proud to partner with them and with CultureCon in fostering a conversation that is needed now more than ever.”
The program will open with a performance of the National Anthem by the Philharmonic Society choir from Clark Atlanta University, one of the nation’s most recognized collegiate choirs. The evening will also feature a concourse stroll by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Pi Chapter.
“We are honored to partner with Chase in highlighting the profound impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Camye Mackey, Howard University alumna and Executive Vice President and Chief People, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer for the Hawks and State Farm Arena. “HBCUs play a critical role in developing future leaders, advancing opportunity and strengthening communities across the nation.”
At halftime, “The Marching Maroon and White,” the official band of Alabama A&M University, will perform alongside the Clark Atlanta University Mighty Marching Panthers. The in-game spotlight will continue with the ATL Dancers, joined by Mahogany in Motion, the official dance team of Spelman College and Morehouse College.
During the game, the Hawks and Chase will recognize Spelman College graduate Dr. Zerita Buchanan, owner of Dental Dreams, LLC. Her private practice also serves as a vocational training center and innovation hub for students pursuing dental careers. The concourse will host an HBCU Student Marketplace, highlighting student-led businesses and entrepreneurship.
Limited tickets remain for HBCU Night presented by Chase. Tickets are available at Hawks.com/tickets. For additional initiatives and experiences, visit Chase.com/Hawks.
State Farm Arena will continue its support of HBCUs with HBCU AWAREFEST, presented by Live Nation Urban and Student Freedom Initiative, on Thursday, March 26. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
