BRANDON JENNINGS AND TRACEY MCCANTS LEWIS, NEXT TO A PORTRAIT OF P.O. JOSEPH, WHO IS THE ONLY PLAYER OF COLOR ON THE TEAM. JOSEPH, WHO IS CANADIAN, WAS BORN TO A WHITE MOTHER AND HAITIAN FATHER. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)
The Pittsburgh Penguins held their annual Black Hockey History Game on Saturday, February 18, and celebrated with a number of activities for nearly 20,000 fans at PPG Paints Arena.
Penguins players wore special warm-up jerseys in traditional colors of red, black and green as well as Penguins gold to represent the spirit and rich history of the Black community, and used similar warm-up pucks. All were auctioned off to benefit youth hockey diversity initiatives at the Highmark Hunt Armory Ice Rink in Shadyside.
All fans in attendance for the Black Hockey History Game received a rally towel presented by CNX, and “Hockey is for Everyone—I Play For” signs were available for fans to sign and take photos.
The game included the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church Choir singing the Black National Anthem; a networking event with the Black Girl Hockey Club; the unveiling of a painting by accomplished local artist Brandon Jennings of Penguins player P.O Joseph; and activation tables where all fans were invited to connect with diverse organizations.
In addition to the game, through February the Penguins hosted a series of virtual panels to honor and celebrate Black History Month, including the panel discussion Black Women Making an Impact On and Off the Ice presented by UPMC.
ALANA DORSEY, RICHARD PAYNE JR., ATHLETES IN PITTSBURGH ICE
GENE WALKER IN MIDDLE, AND THE CREW FROM CAFE MOMENTUM
SHAWN HICKS, FROM THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DELVINA MORROW, FAR LEFT, AND ARDANA JEFFERSON, FAR RIGHT, AMONG THOSE AT THE BLACK HOCKEY HISTORY GAME
LEIGH SOLOMON PUGLIANO, FROM EQUITY IMPACT CENTER
THEIR FIRST HOCKEY GAME—KAELYN O’KELLY, 8, AND JOELLEN O’KELLY, 6
RENEE HESS, FROM BLACK GIRL HOCKEY CLUB
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