RELEASE: Blackhawks Announce Collaborations to Honor Black History Month

Throughout Black History Month, the Chicago Blackhawks will amplify their ongoing commitment and year-round partnerships to diversity and inclusion through a combination of artist partnerships, live entertainment, food and drink offerings, art displays and more; as the organization provides a platform for those within the African American and Black community who are making their mark on the city, the organization and sport of hockey.

Local Artist Collaborations:

Tyrese Ingram, a 19-year-old student at Malcolm X College and resident of the North Lawndale neighborhood, is the creative artist behind this year's Black History Month warmup jersey and limited-edition retail collection, which includes a t-shirt, sweatshirt and hoodie with all proceeds benefiting the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation. Ingram's design inspiration reflects a form of unity and hopes his creation visually represents the uplifting of Black voices.
The partnership with Ingram came to be thanks to Firehouse Community Arts Center, which is a member of the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation and A Better Chicago's
One West Side initiative
, which is also generously supported by United Airlines. At the center, Ingram connects with other young people to share stories about the West Side through art while simultaneously bringing together the neighborhood to make positive changes.
The Blackhawks are also proud to announce West Side native DJ Oreo, who has toured with Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa, will kick off a three-game residency at Blackhawks home games on Feb. 10. Fans can also enjoy special intermission performances from DJ Oreo on Feb. 19 and March 4.

New Investments in Education, Neighborhood Small Businesses:

The Chicago Blackhawks Foundation is also proud to announce six new recipients to the
Support West cohort program
, which provides $5,000 grants to minority-owned small businesses and also helps with financial resources, peer and business mentorship and marketing support throughout the year. This year's recipients include
Cajun Cafe Chicago
,
Fatso Hard Kitchen
,
HAZ Cooperative Studios
,
La Malinche Coffee & Tea House,
Principle Barbers
and
P.R.O. Fitness and Sports Academy
.
Additionally, the team and Foundation are working with the National Association for Black Journalists' (NABJ) Chicago Chapter on a new long-term partnership that will provide mentorship opportunities and support financial scholarships for college students who are studying journalism and its related fields.

Home Game Celebration:

A night devoted to celebrating African American and Black culture, the Blackhawks plan to host a special Black History Month game spotlight on Friday, Feb. 10 against the Arizona Coyotes. In addition to DJ Oreo's inaugural performance, fans can enjoy the following activities:
Warmup Jersey Auction: Blackhawks players will wear the special warmup jerseys created by Ingram, which will be autographed and auctioned at Blackhawks.com/BHMJersey. The auction will open on Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. with bidding to close on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit local Chicago Blackhawks Foundation supported charities.
Pregame Atrium Entertainment: Fans are encouraged to stop by the United Center Atrium before puck drop for live performances, food and beverage offerings and art displays. Free samples will be provided by Bitoy's Sweet Treats, Cajun Café, Fatso Hard Kitchen, Firehouse Community Arts Center Catering (while supplies last) and by Moors Brewing and Funkytown Brewery, two local black-owned breweries (for fans 21+). Plus, catch special performances from the Chicago Alumnae Chapter Step Team of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a spoken word arrangement, BandWith Chicago's F.U.N.K. Machine Drumline and the Windy City Ramblers. Atrium doors open at 5 p.m.
In-Arena Performance: Before the national anthem, the Sankofa Chicago Gospel Ensemble will sing the Black national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit
Blackhawks.com/tickets
.