The Spurs’ Black Heritage Night will honor local nonprofits with significant grants, including contributions from Harrison Barnes and his wife.
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs will celebrate Black Heritage Night on Saturday, when the team hosts the Dallas Mavericks. It will also mark a night when the team goes above and beyond for four local groups.
“Built by Black History, Elevated by Black Voices” night at the Frost Bank Center will feature a $40,000 donation and an in-game “Leaders and Legacies” spotlight, a special jersey ticket package and more.
Prior to tipoff, the Spurs will present a $4,000 donation to the San Antonio Zulu Association (SAZA) in recognition of the organization’s longstanding commitment to cultural celebration, civic engagement and philanthropy in San Antonio.
The team has announced that the Juneteenth Freedom Coalition of San Antonio will receive a $10,000 grant in honor of Oscar L. Vicks; the San Antonio Area African American Community Fund will receive a $10,000 grant honoring Bobby Blount helping to advance support for Black-led nonprofits and philanthropic initiatives; the Ella Austin Community Center will receive a $10,000 grant in honor of Beverly Watts Davis, while supporting one of San Antonio’s longest-standing east-side institutions serving families and seniors; and the Gardopia Gardens will receive a $10,000 grant in honor of founder and CEO Stephen Lucke, recognizing the organization’s leadership in community wellness and garden-based education.
Spurs fans heading to the game can take advantage of an exclusive Black Heritage Night Ticket Package, with a Spurs Black Heritage jersey and a Coyote bobble head included. Jerseys and bobbleheads are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A portion of the proceeds from the ticket package will be invested in and support the local community, including Black-owned businesses, nonprofits, and programs through Spurs Give.
Joining the Spurs in charitable donations will be forward Harrison Barnes and his wife Brittany. They will donate $150,000 to 10 local nonprofit organizations throughout the month of February and will also be recognized by the Alamo Colleges District as a Champion of Opportunity for their $250,000 donation last year.
RELATED: Spurs’ Harrison Barnes and wife give the San Antonio MLK Commission its largest monetary donation
“One thing that’s been important for my family and me since I’ve gotten to the league is giving back to the communities that we’re in. Ever since I got to San Antonio, it’s always been a lot of love,” Barnes said. “It’s always just been very easy for us to be accepted by this community. We definitely want to pour back into it. So whether it was last season or this season, just finding different ways that we can go and support uplift organizations that are doing their work, continue to give opportunities to youth, let them know that they’re seen.”
Those interested in the exclusive ticket package can text JOY to 210-444-5940 to learn more about the Black Heritage Night festivities.