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by Andy Hall, ESPN
Expanding a commitment that dates back 25 years, ESPN has launched “Black History Always,” a company-wide content commitment initiative to highlight Black stories beyond the traditional Black History Month in February. Black History Always began with Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January and The Undefeated will identify opportunities throughout the year to resurface and integrate relevant content under the Black History Always theme.
Powered by The Undefeated, ESPN’s content initiative exploring the intersections of sports, race and culture, Black History Always launched Jan. 18 with a series of vignettes featuring well-known athletes and coaches appearing across ESPN television and digital platforms. The celebration will continue year-round, every year.
“ESPN has recognized Black History Month with special programming and events since 1995,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content. “For Black History Always, we are expanding that commitment by further leaning into what The Undefeated already does, deepening our celebration of Black History across all ESPN platforms year-round.”
“We are asserting the commitment to supporting the Black sports community in all aspects: athletes on and off the court, storytelling and culture,” said Raina Kelley, managing editor of The Undefeated, who is overseeing the Black History Always initiative. “This initiative will highlight moments and stories on and off the field that empower and inspire; moments of athletic heroism and moral heroism; moments that signify change and progress, and moments that show us how much work is still to be done. We want to show Black fans that we are always there for them, we represent and reflect them, and we celebrate and appreciate them.”
Visit the ESPN Pressroom for highlights of upcoming Black History Always content on ESPN platforms:
NOTE: The images above were commissioned by The Undefeated for the “Music For The Movement/Black History Always” EP. They are (L-R) Winter in America, performed by Freddie Gibbs, cover artwork by Matthew Dicks; Wake Up Everybody, performed by Tobe Nwigwe, cover artwork by Cristina Martinez; and Eden, performed by Brent Faiyaz, cover artwork by Mike Reesé.