"As a team and an organization, we are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and are proud to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history," said Vinik Sports Group Chief Operating Officer Mark Pitts. "This month is a special time to recognize the impact of Black Americans, past and present, on the sport of hockey. We hope our activations will inspire future generations to continue promoting diversity and inclusiveness in all aspects of life."
Throughout the month, the Lightning will engage in a series of community outreach events, including visits to local schools and internal training sessions, in order to raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion. The team also partnered with the NHL's United by Hockey Mobile Museum, which brought the interactive exhibit to the Tampa Bay Area, offering fans an opportunity to learn about the contributions of Black athletes to the sport of hockey.
February 21 marks a particularly special occasion as the Lightning celebrate Black Heritage on Black History Night with activations before and during the game against the Anaheim Ducks.
That evening, the Lightning will honor the "Divine Nine" Black fraternities and sororities. For the first time in NHL History, The Divine Nine, inclusive of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, will conduct a ceremonial puck drop to pay tribute to the contributions of African Americans in the sport. This meaningful event will feature a special national anthem guest appearance by 100-year-old Tuskegee Airman Daniel Keel.
The Lightning will also honor the Divine Nine as the Lightning Community Heroes on February 21, each receiving one-ninth of the $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program. These funds will benefit local students in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area through scholarships and programs that the local Alumni Chapters' leadership will administer.
