In a year unlike any other, the NBA and its players have decided to focus on giving back. When the NBA returned in the bubble last season, the attention was still on social change. Players wanted to return to the court but wanted the spotlight to be on creating change for the future. For All-Star Weekend, the NBA has committed $3 million to HBCU scholarships through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the United Negro College Fund. Along with the donation, Team LeBron and Team Durant will play on a court designed to honor historically black colleges and universities.
The Grambling and Florida A&M marching bands will take part in game introductions. Fans in attendance will include HBCU alumni and current students. The three game officials, Tom Washington, Courtney Kirkland, and Tony Brown are also all HBCU graduates.
Despite being unavailable in tonight’s game, Joel Embiid is making sure he is helping his community. Embiid has pledged $100,000 to shelters in the Philadelphia community.
“So many have fallen on such hard times during the pandemic. I felt it was important to provide more support for individuals and families struggling with homelessness and food insecurity. I’m continually grateful for all of the support that Philadelphia and the fans have given me not just around All-Star but all my years in the league. I will continue to help in any way I can.”
Sixers center Joel Embiid speaking with NBA.com
The Sixers announced that would match their center’s donation. Both Embiid and Ben Simmons will be unavailable for All-Star Weekend game after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
