June 18, 2023
How Dallas Wings celebrated Juneteenth on their African American Heritage Day
By Arie Graham
The organization continues to use their platform to recognize and support different groups
Arlington, Texas — The Wings hosted the Seattle Storm on their African American Heritage Day. It was a day of celebration for Juneteenth. Juneteenth takes place on June 19 in recognition of the date the end of slavery was announced in Texas. The holiday did not become federally recognized until 2021. Players and coaches shared their feelings on the Wings’ theme and celebrating Juneteenth.
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Guard Crystal Dangerfield returned to the court after missing four games with an ankle injury. Prior to the matchup, she said that it is special that the Wings have themes like African American Heritage day. “We had pride night the other night. So the intersectionality of who we are as people, I feel like it’s a great thing that our league, and our team especially, to do something special for that,” the guard said.
The Wings recognized the only historically black college in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Paul Quinn College, during the game. Camille Little-Smith, a 13-year WNBA veteran, is the head coach of their women’s basketball team. She thinks the Dallas Wings are doing a really great job tapping into their entire fan base.
“I think they’re being inclusive and this month for this state and this city is a huge deal and give the community a chance to come and learn, some people do not know about Juneteenth,” said Little-Smith. “They have no idea who Opal Lee is. I was here last year when they recognized her and she sat courtside, that is huge for fans here, white or black, whatever race you are to learn about this state’s history.”
The Wings’ leading scorer Arike Ogunbowale said it’s great that the WNBA is always been inclusive and celebrating minorities. “So it’s dope that teams can do that. I love having the black history, Juneteenth stuff here today. It’s great that teams celebrate it for sure. Because it deserves to be celebrated,” she said.
Head coach Latricia Trammell did not get to see much of the entertainment, but said what she was able to see coming out of a timeout was unbelievable.
“That’s why I love this league like I do because we embrace every culture. I mean we allow our players to use their platform,” Trammell said. “I talked about Opal Lee prior to the game and her walking the 1,400 miles … and the importance of that,” she said. “I’m so glad that I am a part of an organization that wants to do that, that wants to bring people in to continue to move forward with change. Like I told the players previously, ‘Yeah we’re celebrating today, but that should be a celebration every day.'”
Written by Arie Graham
Arie Graham joined The Next in May 2021 as the beat writer for the Dallas Wings.
