On Saturday June 3, the L.A. Sparks hosted HBCU Night at their home game against the Seattle Storm at Crypto.com Arena and the team took home a win with a score of 92-85.
The LA Sparks received celebrity support via appearances from NBA player Kyrie Irving and hip hop artist Wale. At the game’s end, Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike scored a high of 27 points and 14 rebounds while the highest assists came from Sparks guard Jordin Canada.
To kickoff the night, the Sparks sponsored a college fair for prospective students to learn more about HBCUs. The session also featured remarks by Christopher Cathcart of Howard University and Aneesha Dubois of Norfolk State University, who both elaborated on their HBCU experiences.
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The HBCU panel and college fair was created to honor and recognize the educational accomplishments made in the Black community and provide a sense of camaraderie and guidance, giving students a pathway to success alongside their peers and idols.
Councilwoman Heather Hutt was recognized for her work in the community and for being the first Black woman to represent District 10 as well as the only Black woman on the Los Angeles City Council.
L.A. city’s youth also made an appearance at halftime where fans got to enjoy an electrifying performance by the drill team from the Stephen M. White Middle School of Carson. Also, lively routines by the Sparks young HBCU dancers kept the crowd entertained while DJ Malski energized the audience with the turntables.
The LA Sparks showed their HBCU love by featuring apparel from Legacy History Pride, a fashion brand committed to building upon the foundation of historically-Black schools, sharing the history of African American ancestors and instilling pride in Black culture.
Sparks guard Jasmine Thomas, 12-year veteran and 2017 All-Star, stunned in her LHP gear, repping Norfolk State. Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon, a WNBA All-Star and FIBA World Cup Gold Medalist, represented Clark Atlanta in her LHP crewneck.
A community member sharing what HBCU night meant to her revealed, “Having so many family members go to HBCUs, it is amazing to see the energy and comradery that happens when these alums come together. It is so important for us to be recognized in ways like this.”
Visit the LA Sparks website https://sparks.wnba.com/, Instagram @la_sparks, and Twitter @LASparksPR for more information on upcoming games and future HBCU events.
