The Washington Wizards and Capital City Go-Go are celebrating Black History Month with a series of activations honoring pioneers of the culture – both on and off the basketball court.
From themed game nights and giveaways, to a culminating celebration of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the monthlong occasion – hosted throughout home games in February – aims to bridge generations of fans with a nod to the unsung Black heroes of the DMV.
“When you think of the Wizards, you [automatically think] basketball, but you’re not seeing exactly what they’re doing for the DMV area, and this is just one small piece,” said Bowie State University alumnus Ari’Anna Redmond, during the Washington Wizards’ 2025 Black History Month campaign. “As a DMV native, to be able to actually take advantage of it, it’s beautiful.”
Feb. 3: A Night of Black Excellence & NBA Pioneers Celebration
As the Wizards take on the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on Feb. 3, “A Night of Black Excellence & NBA Pioneers Celebration” brings a deep dive into some of the pivotal figures who shaped the NBA – from forging paths to inclusivity to establishing the DMV’s presence in the league.
Attendees can explore the legacies of Earl Lloyd, “the Black Fives,” and Dr. E.B. Henderson – the latter widely considered the “Grandfather of Black Basketball” – and take home themed merch from the Capital One Arena Team Store, including an exclusive Black Fives x Wizards collaboration hoodie.
In addition to learning about Henderson’s critical role in bringing basketball to “Black D.C.,” the 2025-26 season momentum continues with honors to the 75th anniversary of the first Black NBA players.
Stories of the Black Fives Era – during which numerous all-Black teams emerged – and Lloyd, the first African American to play in an NBA game (on the then-Washington Capitols), will shine alongside a themed giveaway: the first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive an AJ Johnson-designed City Edition hat.
Feb 7: Capital City Go-Go Black History Month Celebration
For Capital City Go-Go, honoring the past while uplifting the present looks like a Black History Museum installation on the concourse and a video highlighting the history of go-go music, all slated for the Feb. 7 matchoff with Birmingham.
The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a “The District is Black History” t-shirt while anticipating the dynamic sounds of District Kings, a collection of D.C.-based musicians led by percussionist Jammin Jeffrey Warren.
Fans interested in attending can purchase regular game tickets on Ticketmaster or get the Sips Night Package, which includes a Black History Month Capital City sip cup here.
Feb. 20: Sneaker Night presented by Hennessy
When the Indiana Pacers face off against Washington on Feb. 20, the stands will be lit with the freshest kicks of the season – at least, that’s the goal.
Presented by Hennessey, the Wizards will celebrate “Sneaker Night” at Capital One Arena, prefaced by a multitude of social content promoting sneaker fashion and culture, including the Hennessy x Wizards Sneaker Stories series, where fans are encouraged to submit their own shoe game.
Before tip off, TicketMaster hosts a Hennessy-themed Sneaker Night Block Party at District E from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., featuring: cocktail sampling, appetizers, a virtual reality world and 360-degree photobooth, and an opportunity to unlock Hennessy cocktail recipes.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF) will also donate $10,000 to Soles4Souls (S4S) – a non-profit that turns unwanted shoes and clothing into a program that provides relief, creates jobs, and empowers people to break the cycle of poverty.
Sneaker Night tickets can be purchased here. Tickets purchased through the digital link will include a pair of limited-edition Wizards crew socks, while supplies last.
Winners of the E.B. Henderson Essay Contest will be recognized during the Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets game on Feb. 22.
Feb. 28: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) & Divine 9 (D9) Night
Topping off a month of recognition and reflection for D.C., the Wizards culminate their Black History series with a celebration of HBCUs and the Divine Nine (D9), composed of the historically Black sororities and fraternities.
HBCU graduates and D9 members are encouraged to represent their school and/or sorority or fraternity apparel in a homecoming-style celebration of Black pride, as game features will include highlighting the 2026 HBCU Hustle Hard Competition winner and the 2026 Battle of the DJs winner.
The Wizards will hold an HBCU and D9 pregame Block Party at District E, powered by Ticketmaster, and hosted by Bowie State University alum and Omega Psi Phi, Inc. fraternity member KyleontheMic.
Fans looking for an all-day celebration can also attend the HBCU & D9 Day Party during the Go-Go’s 2 p.m. game against the College Park Skyhawks at CareFirst Arena. Highlights will include a tribute to the history and legacy of HBCUs & Black Greek Letter organizations, along with select D9 performances.
For tickets and a co-branded HBCU Pride x Wizards Hawaiian shirt as a gift with purchase, visit 2026 Wizards HBCU & D9 Night.