The history of the NBA is rife with barrier breaking “firsts”– from the partnership of the 1992 dream team to the appointment of Violet Palmer as the first female referee in a major U.S. professional sport, to the coming out of Jason Collins as the first openly gay male athlete in a major U.S. sport
In celebration of Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month, the NBA is debuting its new spot “Barrier Breakers,” a heartfelt and thought provoking ad that pays tribute to Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech by featuring iconic, groundbreaking moments throughout basketball history.
Part of the NBA “DREAM” campaign, “Barrier Breakers” will premier during Monday’s Detroit Pistons/Atlanta Hawks game on ESPN.
In addition to the spot, the NBA honors Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month in other ways:
My Brother’s Keeper: My Brother’s Keeper PSA’s featuring Chris Paul, Damian Lillard, Joakim Noah and Magic Johnson will run on MLK Day and throughout Black History Month.
EverFi School Curriculum: In celebration of MLK Day and Black History Month, EverFi and the NBA have launched the “306 African-American History” Course in 30 schools across all NBA team markets.
On Court: A shooting shirt featuring the “DREAM” logo will be worn on 1/19 on 2/1-2/12 by all 30 teams.
NBA Inside Stuff: will air a piece on 1/17 about Tobias Harris and his grandfather who is one of the last living Tuskegee Airman.
