On Thursday, the NBA unveiled the elements inspired by historically Black colleges and universities that will be featured throughout All-Star 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The NBA previously announced it will highlight and pay tribute to the role of HBCUs in communities during All-Star 2021. As part of those efforts, the NBA and NBPA will commit more than $2.5 million in funds and resources toward HBCUs and awareness around equity and access to COVID-19 care, relief and vaccines.
From the court design to the artwork displayed throughout State Farm Arena, HBCUs will be honored in-person and on the TNT broadcast with interviews, tributes and musical performances. Nearly 1,500 frontline workers, HBCU alumni, students and faculty were invited to attend the festivities in a safe and socially-distanced manner.
The vibrant and energetic court, which was created in collaboration with HBCU alumni from various schools, incorporates icons representing the best of academics, music and campus life while connecting back to the celebration of the game.
Additionally, players throughout the evening will conduct their on-court interviews wearing custom Beats headphones, which were designed by Elijah Rutland, a participant in the “Beats Black Creator” program and a student at Florida A&M University.
Each All-Star participant will receive a set of headphones with designs by Rutland.
