Washington, D.C. – Today, Monumental Sports & Entertainment unveils a new digital display at Capital One Arena including a video timeline highlighting the contributions of Black pioneers and moments in Black history that have taken place in the arena, within the footprint of the arena, or in Downtown, D.C. since the 1800s.
Among the looped video reel are images and information on early African American bankers, insurance operators, lawyers, construction and trades workers, DC Mayor Marion Barry, President Barack Obama, as well as athletes and artists who have played and performed at the arena.
The video timeline is available for viewing on the LED premium video board at section 108 on the first-level concourse and accessible to all guests at Capital One Arena for all games and events.
Additional Video Highlights Include:
- Capital Savings Bank, 1888
- Located at 609 F Street, in the same footprint as the current arena, Capital Savings Bank was the first bank organized and operated by African Americans. The bank quickly became a model for other Black-owned banks across the country, even after closing in 1902. Between 1888 and 1934, 134 Black banks were established, and from 1867 through 1917, the number of Black businesses increased from 4,000 to 50,000 with the help of additional trusted funding sources.
- Black Owned Businesses Helped Build the MCI Center, 1996
- In the construction of the MCI Center, multiple Black-owned vendors were contracted to create the venue including Lyn-Phil Constructions LLC (handled iron installations), Tyroc Construction LLC (handled metal supplies), Clyde McHenry Inc. (handled door frame installations) and Opportunity Concrete Corporation (handled concrete supply).
- Together We Stand, 2019
- On Juneteenth, outside Capital One Arena, Washington Wizards and Mystics players joined dozens of coaches and staff members as they addressed hundreds who came to march peacefully in support of Black Lives Matter. The crowd processed across the National Mall to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial to call for accountability on racial injustice and police brutality.
- Anthony Gill Received the Inaugural EB Henderson Award, 2022
- Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill was named the recipient of the inaugural Washington Wizards E.B. Henderson Team Award. Gill received the honor in a half court ceremony in recognition of his work in the Washington, D.C., community. Known as the “Grandfather of Black Basketball” in Washington, D.C., Dr. Henderson was a sports historian, educator, administrator, coach, athlete, and civil rights activist. He wrote over 3,000 letters to the editor for The Washington Post and other newspapers on civil rights and race relations. The Wizards inaugurated this new team award in Dr. Henderson’s honor.
- Lizzo Plays James Madison’s Crystal Flute, 2022
- In front of a sold-out crowd, Grammy Award-winning artist, Lizzo, played a historic crystal flute from former President James Madison on stage at Capital One Arena during the DC stop of her Truth Hurts Tour in September. Lizzo was the first and only person to play the 200-year-old flute which is typically housed at the Library of Congress.
- And more!
###
About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America’s leading sports and entertainment family. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit www.monumentalsports.com.
