The K-W Titans basketball team is starting off Black History Month with a special event during their upcoming game against the Lake Erie Jackals on Sunday. Teaming up with the Kitchener festival Caribana Ignite for the third consecutive year, the Titans will honor Black history and cultural diversity both before and during the game at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
Kate Schooley, the team’s chief communications officer, emphasized the significance of highlighting the experiences of players, coaches, and staff members. She mentioned that this event serves as a platform to acknowledge the heritage of many team members and demonstrate the community’s appreciation for their individual identities.
The festivities are not limited to the team itself, with pre-game activities scheduled to commence at 2:00 p.m., an hour prior to the Titans facing off against the Jackals. Geraldine Stafford, the festival director of Caribana Ignite, highlighted that the primary audience for the event is the community, especially young attendees who eagerly anticipate interacting with players and community leaders.
The programming aims to promote representation, offering young individuals the chance to see themselves reflected in various aspects of the game. This includes the halftime show, a free throw contest, the inclusion of the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and informative content about Black History Month displayed on arena screens.
Given the diverse population in the Waterloo region, Stafford emphasized that being Black encompasses various identities, including individuals from the Caribbean, people of African descent, and those who may not be native to Africa but identify as Black. She also stressed the importance of allies in fostering meaningful conversations and inclusivity.
According to Schooley, the Titans game is designed to appeal to a wide audience beyond basketball enthusiasts, offering a lively and entertaining atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. She highlighted the high-quality basketball on display, comparing it to what one might see in the NBA.
The collaboration between Caribana Ignite Kitchener and KW Titans originated three years ago, initially facilitated by Stafford’s role as the manager of equity, diversity, and inclusion for the Waterloo Regional Police Service. This partnership evolved from efforts to bridge interactions between the police and players, with a focus on fostering positive relationships within the community.
As Caribana Ignite continues to expand its reach with multiple events in Kitchener and Toronto, the celebrations during Black History Month serve as a culmination of preparations for various festivals, coinciding with the Carnival season in countries like Brazil, Trinidad, and parts of Grenada.