By Gordon “Goody” Tate
June 11th, 2024
LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers will host Black Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium this Saturday, June 15. Fans will experience an array of pregame activities and in-game programming to celebrate black heritage and culture. Tickets remain on sale for the 6:10 p.m. start against the Kansas City Royals at Dodgers.com/tickets.
Dodger Stadium gates will open at 4:10 p.m. and pregame festivities in Centerfield Plaza will kick off with a Gusto Funk DJ set at 4:15 p.m. There will be a yard show performance at approximately 4:45 p.m., put on by sororities and fraternities of the Divine 9. The organization Divine 9 represents the nine Black Greek letter groups created at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and aims to foster civic movements and kinship while impacting the community through racial empowerment. The yard show will feature stepping.
Fans who purchased a ticket package will receive an exclusive black and blue jersey at their point of entry to Dodger Stadium. The jersey pays tribute to the rich history of black Dodger players.
The Dodgers will also recognize Brotherhood Crusade prior to the game. The 50-year-old grassroots organization aims to improve the quality of life of low-income, underserved, under-represented and disenfranchised individuals by focusing on development programs, financial literacy, business enrichment, sports, and community events. Following the pregame recognition, the National Anthem will be performed by esteemed saxophonist Mike Phillips. The world-famous musician served as a soloist for star performers such as Michael Jackson, Prince and Stevie Wonder.
Jason Foster, the President of Destination Crenshaw, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the matchup against the Royals. Destination Crenshaw is an art development project aimed to create jobs and display projects designed by local artists.
As part of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s commitment to social justice, the 50/50 raffle will be dedicated to the Liberty Hill Foundation to support the California Funders for Boys and Men of Color. The organization aims to remove systemic barriers and create pathways that enable boys and men of color to achieve their greatest hopes and dreams. The Ellen & Clayton Kershaw Foundation is generously matching up to $50,000. Since 2020, over $600,000 has been raised to support this effort.
After the game, a 30-minute set will be held on the field by D-Nice. The global hip-hop disc jockey has performed at both the 2022 and 2023 Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Galas, the 2021 NBA All-Star game and the 94th Academy Awards. He was also nominated by Time Magazine for 2020 Person of the Year.
For more information, please visit Dodgers.com/blackheritagenight.
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