NBA teams Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder have joined forces to launch a multi-year, first-of-its-kind virtual program to educate high school students on the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 and 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, NBA.com reports.
Arriving on the heels of the centennial recognition of the Chicago Race Riot and the 100-year mark of the Tulsa Race Massacre this spring, the Black History Classroom Exchange is an interactive program that will give students an opportunity to learn about these two historical Black events in American history that have been notoriously left out of school curriculums, reports Afro-Tech.
The purpose of the program is to consider what’s occurred in Black America’s past in an effort to empower current and future generations of students to discover new ways in which they can expand economic empowerment within their own communities.
“Reflecting on Black history gives us all a chance to learn from the past while we continue to work towards justice and equity in our future,” said Adrienne Scherenzel-Curry — senior director of community relations for the Chicago Bulls — in a statement. “We are proud to partner with the Thunder to help form a bridge between students in Chicago and Tulsa, giving them a unique opportunity to connect, explore ties between these moments in our cities’ histories and inspire each other to find innovative ways to uplift their communities.”
According to NBA.com, the new program builds upon the Bulls and Thunder’s ongoing social justice efforts and commitment to elevating Black history for future generations.
