Professional ice hockey team the Washington Capitals has announced initiatives including a mobile museum and “Black History in Hockey” theme night in honor of the Black History Month.
The National Hockey League’s Black Hockey History Tour, which is a uniquely curated mobile museum, will be hosted by the Washington Capitals and the Embassy of Canada between February 25 and 27.
Presented by American Legacy magazine that focuses on African American history and culture, the 525-square foot museum showcases 200 years of black achievement in hockey. Founders, history makers, Stanley Cup champions and other young stars, including NHL officials, broadcasters and women are all featured in the museum exhibits.
The museum also displays pictures, artifacts, and pioneers of black hockey history. Black women such as Hockey Hall of Famer Angela James and black Stanley Cup champions are also part of the exhibits.
“It’s to take history right into the neighborhoods. We had the opportunity to provide an initial proposal to the NHL for consideration and they loved it,” said Rodney J. Reynolds, the founder and CEO of American Legacy.
A documentary titled Soul on Ice produced and directed by Kwame Mason which recounts the story of black history in hockey will also be showed in the museum. There’s also a television screen which displays in loops black NHL players, along with their bio.
The museum will be open to the general public every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Group visits will also be facilitated by the Capitals.
Guests can also visit the Embassy Art Gallery while touring the mobile museum where they can see The 100 Greater NHL Players on display, and an NHL collection of portraits by Tony Harris honoring one hundred years of NHL hockey.
Willie O’Ree, the first black hockey player in the NHL, will take part in the ceremonial puck drop in the “Black History in Hockey” theme night on February 26.
O’Ree made his debut on January 18, 1958, as a member of the Boston Bruins organization. In 2018, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builders category.
More information about Black Hockey History is available here.