CHICAGO (Feb. 1, 2024) – As part of its continuing effort to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, the UIC Department of Athletics has unveiled its plans to celebrate Black History Month throughout February.
 
During the coming weeks, the Flames will honor and celebrate current student-athletes, staff and coaches and share their stories, both on social media and at UIC's home men's and women's basketball games at Credit Union 1 Arena.
 
"UIC Athletics is excited to celebrate Black History Month," said Monica Montgomery, UIC Athletics' Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. "It is a time that we look forward to each year, to look back at the remarkable achievements and contributions of Black people throughout history. At the same time, we celebrate our outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and staff who continue to inspire us by demonstrating a legacy of excellence with their hard work and dedication today."
 
Each week, the Flames will profile different members of the UIC Athletics community, highlighting the work they do both on and off the fields of competition while celebrating the importance of Black History Month. The stories and segments will be featured across UIC Athletics' social media platforms, with select segments not only airing in-venue at home basketball games, but also during ESPN+ broadcasts of all UIC home sporting events.
 
In addition, Lift Every Voice and Sing, often referred to as "The Black National Anthem", will be played prior to select games throughout the month of February. 
 
The Flames will hold two Black History Month celebration games during the month of February — Feb. 22 when women's basketball entertains Murray State, and Feb. 28 when men's basketball welcomes Drake. Fans can also purchase tickets for $7 to the women's game using the code "BlackHistory" and $12 for the men's game using the code "BlackHistoryUIC". Both games will tip off at 7 p.m. (CT) and feature free t-shirt giveaways for the first 300 students in attendance featuring a specially-designed UIC Athletics Black History Month logo.
 
Black History Month is observed annually each February. The month-long event recognizes the adversities, achievements and countless contributions of Black and African Americans throughout history.
 
Tickets for all remaining UIC men's and women's basketball home games may be purchased online through Ticketmaster or UICFlames.com/Tickets, by contacting the UIC Athletics Ticket Office (312-413-UIC1; athleticsticketing@uic.edu) or visiting the Credit Union 1 Arena box office on game night.