What: The Advancement of Blacks In Sports (ABIS) will hold its annual Champions & Legends Fundraising Weekend at the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino from May 31 to June 2. This three-day event will honor a distinguished list of special guests during its Champions & Legends Gala. In addition to the gala, the weekend will be filled with festivities and workshops aimed at supporting ABIS’ mission to amplify Black representation in collegiate and professional sports. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, ABIS strives to create a more inclusive and equitable sports industry.
Where: MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino, 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
When: May 31- June 2, 2024; See below for the schedule of events for media opportunities and press coverage.
Who: Gary Charles, CEO & Founder of ABIS
Sashi Brown, President of the Baltimore Ravens
Paxton Baker, Minority Owner of the Washington Nationals
Benjamin Crump, Trial Lawyer for Justice
Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, President of PLC Detroit
Spencer Haywood, NBA Hall of Fame
Yolanda ‘Lonnie’ Ali, Wife of Muhammad Ali & Philanthropist
Warrick Scott, CEO & Founder, The Wendell Scott Foundation
Beverly Kearney, Six-Time NCAA Championships Coach
The 1982 Cheyney State Lady Wolves, The first and only HBCU women’s basketball team to compete in the NCAA Division 1 Final Four Championship
2023 Howard University Swim Team, 2023 Northeast Conference Men’s Swimming & Diving Champions, and only HBCU with a swim program
Photos/Interviews: Opportunities available with all honorees and special guests
Schedule of Events
Friday, May 31
ABIS Welcome & Introductions: 1:30pm – 2pm
ABIS Professional Development Sessions l – Keynote Speaker, Congressman James E. Clyburn: 2pm – 5pm
ABIS Screening – Documentary: The Game That Changed College Basketball: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
ABIS VIP Welcome Reception & Entertainment: 7pm
ABIS Welcome Party & Entertainment: DJ Windy City, Preforming Live: The Legendary “JUNKYARD” Band, Special Appearance by Rodney “Red” Grant, D.C. City Council At-Large Candidate: 8pm – 11:30pm
Saturday, June 1
ABIS Self-Care Saturday: 6:30am – 7:30am
ABIS Professional Development Session ll & Continental Breakfast – Keynote Speaker, Craig A. Thompson Chairman, Maryland Stadium Authority: 9am – 2pm
ABIS Champions & Legends Red Carpet: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
ABIS Champions & Legends Awards Gala: 7pm – 9:30pm
Sunday, June 2
ABIS Jazz Brunch & Mimosas: 11am – 1pm
