The NBA on Wednesday announced how it will distribute more than $3 million through All-Star 2021 in support of historically Black colleges or universities and communities of color impacted by COVID-19.
The teams captained by LeBron James and Kevin Durant in the All-Star Game will play for either the Thurgood Marshall College Fund or the United Negro College Fund as their respective All-Star beneficiary. Each organization will receive an initial $500,000 contribution, with a total of $1.75 million contributed between the organizations.
Participants in the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest will also be paired up with an HBCU to provide financial assistance that will benefit students, faculty or programs that address emergency aid, technology needs, food insecurities and mental health services exacerbated by the pandemic.
- Skills Challenge: The six participants will represent HBCU schools and students from a selected state. An initial donation of $35,000 will be given to students and institutions in each state through UNCF’s Emergency Student Aid program. The winning participant will earn an additional $40,000 to assist with critical financial support to HBCU schools and students.
- 3-Point Contest: Every “Moneyball” shot made will yield a $3,500 donation, while “Zone” shots will be worth $5,000 and benefit Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity. In addition, Mountain Dew will award $100,000 in newly-created scholarships to two students from partner HBCUs during the 3-Point Contest broadcast.
- Slam Dunk Contest: Each HBCU represented by the three contestants will receive a $50,000 donation toward their respective school, with the winner earning an additional $100,000. AT&T will also provide a $100,000 contribution for the three dunkers – $40,000 for the winner and $30,000 for each runner-up – toward HBCU student initiatives through TMCF for every dunk during the NBA All-Star Game.
The NBA also announced that each assist generated in the All-Star Game will net a $1,900 donation from State Farm toward scholarship funding through the UNCF. All-Star 2021 marks the sixth consecutive year State Farm has turned on-the-court assists into real-life assists in communities.
Throughout the night, HBCUs will be showcased through special performances, unique content and storytelling, and the NBA family will also continue education and awareness efforts around important public health and safety communications.
TNT’s coverage of All-Star 2021 will begin on Sunday at 5 p.m. EST.
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