Northwest Wayne News

The Detroit Red Wings celebrated Black History Month with several initiatives throughout February, and the fete culminated Wednesday, Feb. 23 with its “Hockey is for Everyone: Black History Night.” 

The Red Wings hosted the Colorado Avalanche at Little Caesars Arena for the event, with the visitors winning 5-2.

"As we continue our ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ game series, we're proud to host Black History Night this Wednesday," Ilitch Sports + Entertainment director of community impact Kevin Brown said in a release. "Our 'Hockey is for Everyone' vision is more than a phrase. It's a year-round commitment to ensure that on the ice, in the stands and across metro Detroit, we're leveraging the platform and position of the Red Wings to move our game and our community forward.”

The celebration started with a pregame reception honoring four Black History Month Game Changers, in partnership with the Detroit Tigers and Comerica Bank. They were each awarded a $1,000 grant dedicated to the charity of their choice during a pregame networking reception with 100 invited guests in Heritage Hall before the game, according to a report on nhl.com. 

An additional 400 complimentary game tickets were distributed to deserving organizations across metro Detroit, including the Black Family Development Corporation, FOCUS: Hope, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, the YMCA and the Downtown Boxing Gym, the website report says.

Several displays were featured on the Little Caesars Arena concourse, including a celebration of the legacy of black players in the Red Wings organization through an interactive exhibit. The Black Hockey History Exhibit where these pioneers' achievements and impact are commemorated is displayed outside the MotorCity Casino Club near PORTAL 8, according to the report.