Hornets Sports & Entertainment has "launched its Social Justice Platform and website to highlight the team’s latest initiatives for economic mobility, racial equity and voting," according to Alex Andrejev of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Hornets coach James Borrego said that the team started yesterday's practice "honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by discussing how each person could embody the principles preached by the civil rights leader, holiday or not." The "immediate focus for the brand is promoting economic mobility in Charlotte by providing resources, mentorship and educational opportunities." The Hornets announced the launch of a "virtual Innovation Summit to promote innovators and their concepts through social media." Business groups "operated by individuals in a racial or ethnic minority" are eligible to apply. The "winning pitch will receive an investment of $15,000 from the Charlotte Hornets Foundation." Friday’s home game against the Bulls also will be "themed around economic mobility in partnership with Bank of America," as before and during the game, the Hornets will "highlight local efforts and inform fans how they can participate on the Hornets App, through social media and game television and radio broadcasts." The team also said that it was "restocking libraries" yesterday and today at 15 recreation centers (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 1/19).
