Last Thursday, August 21, Barclays Center was filled with music, flavor and cultural pride with the Latin night of the New York Liberty. Beyond basketball, the evening offered fans an immersive experience that highlighted the richness and diversity of the Latin community in Brooklyn and throughout the city.
The part -time show began to dance everyone when Ellie The Elephant, the Liberty pet, joined Eddie Torres Jr. and Mambo Royalty Dance Company. Torres Jr., choreographer of the film in the Heights and a member of the Board of the International Salsa Museum, paid tribute to the sauce -family tradition that has defended for decades.
The atmosphere was on with the special performance of the Timeless Torches, the Liberty dance group composed of dancers aged 40 to 88, who presented a choreography inspired by the Latin celebration. The night started with an emotional moment when the actress and singer Tatianna Córdoba, of Broadway Real Women Have Curves, performed the national anthem.
The culture was also lived outside the court. Presented by Nuevayory and Capicú! The public participated in a friendly domino tournament, and the first 6,000 fans received a commemorative dominoes of the Liberty. In addition, an educational video was projected on the importance of dominoes as a community symbol.
Art did not miss the celebration. The Liberty collaborated with the Puerto Rican artist Covl in a limited edition shirt, available in Brooklyn Fanatics, which reflects the free energy and cultural diversity of the fans.
As part of his Shine Loudy campaign, the Liberty honored Lynnette Verges, director of Operations of the National Alliance On Mental Illness and Bronx Bronx proud. Verges was recognized for his leadership and commitment to social justice and mental health.
For Shana Stephenson, brand director of the Liberty, these thematic nights are an essential part of the identity of the team and the Barclays Center: “Our games are more than basketball; they are cultural experiences where sport, community and culture meet. Latin night allows us to honor the voices, traditions and contributions of the Latin community of New York.”
Stephenson also stressed that these celebrations strengthen the sense of belonging: “When fans are represented in the sand, a deeper connection is generated that converts a game night into an unforgettable memory and a lasting loop with our team.”
With music, dance, art and tradition, the Latin night of the Liberty not only celebrated talent on the court, but also the identity and pride of thousands of Latin New Yorkers.
