Black History Month celebrations and virtual programming planned throughout February

The Pittsburgh Penguins will kick off a month of Black History Month celebrations on Sunday, January 30, when the team hosts the Los Angeles Kings at 1 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena.

During the month of February, the Penguins will celebrate Black History Month through virtual programming focused on elevating black leaders and change-makers, sharing inspiring stories of historic resilience, and connecting our fans to one another through their love for hockey.

Last summer the Penguins opened the Willie O’Ree Academy to offer free, high-quality training and support to local Black youth hockey players and their families. This fall the team opened a seasonal indoor hockey rink at the Hunt Armory in Shadyside to host its hockey diversity programming.

“The Penguins are devoted to supporting the youth of our city and the Black community. It’s part of our mission, and we’re happy to lead the National Hockey League and the city of Pittsburgh in celebrating Black History Month all through February,” Penguins President David Morehouse said.

Join the Penguins this Black History Month, as we inspire, connect, and elevate in person and virtually through programming that unites our community, staff and fans. These programs will feature NHL players and executives, community leaders and Penguins front office staff, as we come together this Black History Month.

On Sunday, January 30 at 1 p.m., the team will hold a Black Hockey History Day at PPG Paints Arena as the Penguins play the Los Angeles Kings. Prior to the puck drop, there will be opportunities for fans to connect in person with networking events, and there will be a special exhibit on Black hockey from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

All fans in attendance will receive a rally towel presented by CNX.

At the Black Hockey History game, fans will be able to visit a first-of-its-kind exhibit from the Hockey Hall of Fame detailing the history of Black hockey with memorabilia from HHOF Honored Members Grant Fuhr, Jarome Iginla, Angela James and Willie O’Ree, in addition to hockey artifacts dating as far back as 1905. The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award will also be on display.

The exhibit is being funded by a grant to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation from the Irene W. and C.B Pennington Foundation to highlight and celebrate diversity in hockey.

Fans will also connect with diverse organizations at concourse activation tables near the exhibit, which will be located in the Hallmark Hall of Champions, behind the Captain Morgan Club.

Through the month of February, the Penguins will honor and celebrate Black History Month by providing a series of virtual programming for our partners, community, staff and fans.

“We take seriously our responsibility to institute positive, systemic change as we look to use our sport and influence to be champions of diversity and inclusion, both on and off the ice. Our virtual Black History Month programming allows us to reach our fans in our community and beyond,” said Delvina L. Morrow, the Penguins’ Senior Director of Strategic and Community Initiatives, and DEI.

Programming will feature NHL players and executives, community leaders, and Penguins front office staff, as they celebrate Black History Month, sharing inspiring stories of historic resilience, connecting our fans to one another through their love of hockey, and elevating Black leaders and change-makers.

More details on the virtual events will be announced soon. Please visit the team’s Black History Month webpage to sign up for updates.