For the first time in league history, the NBA will feature a crew of referees made up entirely of graduates from historically black colleges and universities offering Sunday’s All-Star game in Atlanta.
With the NBA supporting and celebrating the HBCUs as the theme of this weekend’s All-Star Game, Tom Washington will be the head of the party crew joined by officers Courtney Kirkland and Tony Brown.
“It means opportunity,” Kirkland told ESPN, who is in his 21st season as an NBA official and graduated from Southern University in 1999. “To prove and prove that we can do this job. For many years before , it was believed that we could not do this trade.
“You can go back to the years when Bill Russell played, it was believed that African Americans could not play basketball, it was believed that African Americans could not referee the game of basketball. To be able to move quickly to 2021, it is understood that we can do this job. “
Kirkland was part of the crew of last year’s All-Star Game, which featured all the black officers. This weekend, the crew of three HBCU graduates will represent their alma mater and their HBCU heritage; they also live in Atlanta.
For Washington, officiating this All-Star Game with his fellow HBCU graduates will equal the proudest moment of his 30 seasons; he was previously part of the first crew of the three-person African American finals for the second game of the 2012 NBA Finals.
“This is equally, if not more, a proud moment,” said Washington, who graduated from Norfolk State University in 1978. “Actually recognizing HBCU’s heritage and being part of it and hopefully to represent him honorably along the way. “
“The fact that the NBA takes the time to honor and put the HBCUs ahead is really humiliating,” Washington added. “It’s an honor and a privilege.”
During this weekend’s All-Star events, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association will pledge more than $ 3 million in funds and resources to highlight the importance of HBCUs and raise awareness and support for the disparate impact of COVID-19 in color communities.
All-Star Weekend will also feature performances and content from distinguished HBCU music groups, alumni and students.
“First, just be a black man, in this current state and time,” said Brown, who is in his 19th season and graduated in 1989 from Clark Atlanta University. “It’s very powerful to take to the streets and stay positive, encourage other people to educate themselves and do what’s right, and just try to come up with one, teach one and be a good human being.”
“Because we work hard in our game, our work should not be seen. Therefore, when we do our job properly, they will not even know that there are three black men offering. They will know that the game continued without no problem, but if they [tune in] before the game, it may be the only time they say, “Oh, okay, [the crew is made up of HBCU grads]. “And I hope people in my alma mater say he’s one of us. That’s the sense of pride we’ll share together.”