The Charlotte Hornets launched the team’s first-ever Black Excellence Jersey as part of the organization’s Black History Month efforts centered around The Fabric of Black Excellence. The entirely employee generated concept, created by Hornets Digital Designer and North Carolina native Mike Jones, was a first-of-its-kind in the NBA. The jersey was unveiled alongside a video via the Hornets’ digital platforms, which showcased a community-driven narrative exploring what makes Charlotte feel like “home” to those who know it best. Jones initially presented the idea of a Black Excellence Jersey to the franchise’s Executive Team as part of the organization’s first-ever Innovation Challenge.