The Dallas Mavericks concluded the team’s Black History Month initiatives in conjunction with AT&T last week, bringing history to life for DISD students during a visit to the African American Museum of Dallas.
On Feb. 28, James Madison and Sunset high schoolers enjoyed a special tour of the long-standing museum located in Fair Park, alongside Mavs players Max Christie and Kessler Edwards.
The highlight of the afternoon included a $20,000 check presentation to the museum on behalf of the Dallas Mavericks to support their mission to preserve and celebrate the heritage of African Americans in Dallas.
“This museum was great,” said Christie following the visit. “I’m getting integrated into the Dallas community, so being able to see an important part of the community, and the history of Dallas African Americans, everything that they fought through, and that means a lot to them, seeing all the symbology that has to do with this museum, all the paintings and all the artifacts— it was cool to educate myself on it a little bit and learn something new.”
Founded in 1974 by Dr. Harry Robinson Jr., the museum is the only institution of its kind in the Southwestern United States. It houses extensive, curated collections of African American art, artifacts, and historical archives, making it an ideal location for the Mavericks to host high school students year after year.
“I think it’s a good reminder to be able to come to this museum and see everything, especially remembering where we come from and why I’m able to play in the NBA today,” said Edwards.
“It’s important for students to see stuff like this, just to be motivated, and not only to remember the history, but to also be inspired to create more pieces like these and maybe be on the walls someday.”
As part of the visit, the group previewed the works of the team’s 2025 Black History Month Art Contest winners— Christian Anderson, Ilahna Davis, Bryn Hergert, Reyna Mendez, and Jorge Whitaker— which are on display now at the African American Museum of Dallas through the end of March.
The groups also toured powerful exhibits throughout the three-story museum, including:
“It was cool to see how interested the students were in all the artifacts and all the paintings, just kind of talking amongst themselves, asking questions to each other, and discussing their favorite pieces— it was great to see them being so intrigued about something important to the Dallas community,” Christie added.
“And that’s what it’s all about. Being put on a pedestal as a professional athlete in the sport is great, but being integrated into the community is more important. So being able to be here with high school kids to embrace this side of our history— it was super cool to immerse myself in that and hopefully do more of that in the future.”
The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of African American history, storytelling, and community, during Black History Month and throughout the entire year.
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