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NBA's Memphis Grizzlies Feature Black Fives
During MLK Day Celebration!

Festivities Include Black Fives Historical Exhibit And On Court In Game Promotion!

The NBA's Memphis Grizzlies staged a Black Fives exhibit and on court promotional tribute at FedEx Forum as part of their fourth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Game and Symposium on January 16, 2006.

This annual Grizzlies celebrates the contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. with in-game tributes and with a symposium honoring athletes for their contributions to human and civil rights in the spirit of Dr. King. Honorees for 2006 were Hall of Fame member and long time Boston Celtic Bill Russell, and Mannie Jackson, president of the Harlem Globetrotters organization.

The Black Fives exhibit, behind glass cases in the arena's main entrance lobby and adjacent to the Grizzlies team merchandise store, included many rare artifacts and rarely before seen photographs from the Black Fives Era, including vintage laced basketballs, uniform items from the New York Rens and Harlem Globetrotters, game programs, newspaper clippings, scorecards, and yearbooks.

Andy Dolich, President of Business Operations for the Grizzlies, involved Black Fives in the team's celebration to connect the day's events actively to the pioneering efforts of African Americans in early basketball history.

The main event of the day was the on court battle between the Grizzlies and the San Antonio Spurs, nationally-televised on TNT.

During one of the game's time outs, team mascot Grizz -- clad in a Black Fives jersey -- helped floor personnel launch complimentary Black Fives tee shirts into the crowd with a slingshot. A video tribute to the Black Fives Era was also shown on the FedEx Forum's gigantic center court LED screen.

In addition, Tod Seidel, the team's Director of Merchandising, arranged to have a varied assortment of Black Fives merchandise available for purchase in the team's store, known as the Grizzlies Den.

"It was an honor to be included as a part of the festivities," said Black Fives founder Claude Johnson. "I have never seen an organization so sincere, dedicated, and enthusiastic about its commitment to honor and celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day."

The Black Fives exhibit, the in-arena video tribute, the on-court promotional activities, and the in-store merchandise were well-received by Grizzlies fans. "We all are proud of the efforts that you have made to bring the Black Fives to the forefront of our thoughts and perceptions of an already colorful and vivid culture," said local resident and Grizzlies supporter Rhynia Henry, whose private basketball coaching clinics help student athletes improve their skills and become mentally prepared for their next level of competition.

"Thanks for the throwback blackness," said another Grizzlies ticket holder.

"Next year," says Dolich, "the event will be even more impactful."

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