The Penguins announced their plans to celebrate Black History Month in February, highlighted by the annual Black Hockey History Game, presented by CNX, on Feb. 6 versus the Winnipeg Jets.
The celebration begins on Sunday, Feb. 4, when the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the Carnegie Initiative and Pittsburgh Hardball Academy present a screening of 'Beyond Their Years: The Incredible Legacies of Herb Carnegie and Buck O'Neil’ at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall in Munhall, PA.
'Beyond Their Years' tells the story of parallel lives lived by sports and social justice icons Herb Carnegie (Hockey) and Buck O'Neil (Baseball), who were both excluded, because of their race, from competing at the highest professional levels of the sports they loved. The documentary depicts how both men used their own injustices to pioneer for a more inclusive and respectful sports world. Doors open at 1:30 PM with the screening and panel discussion beginning at 2:00 PM. The 48-minute film is free and open to the public, but due to limited seating, those interested should secure a space here.
The annual Penguins Black Hockey History game, presented by CNX, will happen on Tuesday, Feb. 6 when the team faces the Winnipeg Jets at 7:00 PM at PPG Paints Arena. Various programming includes:
- A pre-game pep rally outside of PPG Paints Arena hosted by the City of Pittsburgh/School District of Pittsburgh ‘One-Band-One-Sound’ All-City Marching Band.
- A pre-game VIP Reception with the Black Girl Hockey Club (Tickets available here).
- Co-branded CNX BHM rally towels for all fans in attendance.
- A CNX community spotlight honoring and recognizing Black leaders and change agents in Pittsburgh.
- Honorary national anthem singer (Lyndsey Smith) and color guard (Troop 710 of H.O.P.E for Tomorrow Inc., Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council).
- First Intermission Performance of the Black National Anthem by the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church Choir
- Informational tables throughout the concourse include organizations tied to advancing Black excellence and supporting the Black community in Western Pennsylvania.
- Various auctions from the Penguins Foundation include specialty jerseys, pucks, and locker room nameplates.
- Emmai Alaquiva, an Emmy Award-winning photographer and the creative force behind Ya Momz House, Inc., brings his unique vision and expertise to capture the essence of the Black Hockey History Day game.
A VIP Skate with the Black Girl Hockey Club will occur on Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 10 AM until noon at the Highmark Hunt Armory. The event is invite only. However, to inquire about attending, please email [email protected].
As part of our commitment to acknowledging the invaluable role Black individuals play in our region and beyond, we've chosen Black History Month to host our first-ever Power Play Visionaries panel conversation, coinciding with our month-long celebration of Black Hockey History.
In a celebration of unity, diversity, and empowerment, the Pittsburgh Penguins and UPMC will proudly present Power Play Visionaries, a panel conversation that shines a spotlight on extraordinary Black leaders who have made remarkable contributions to the region. Speakers will include Pittsburgh leaders who connect and elevate Black voices at the intersection of medicine, sports, creativity, and social change; they include; Pittsburgh Penguins’ Chief People Officer, Tracey McCants Lewis, and Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at UPMC, Dr. Maculus Hogan, MD, and more to be announced.
For more information regarding the Penguins' Black History Month initiatives, please visit https://www.nhl.com/penguins/community/black-hockey-history.