Iman Shumpert watches "Selma" with Cleveland area students as part of Black Heritage Celebration

Iman Shumpert hasn't been in Cleveland long, but he's already making an impact on area youth. He spent what might have been his day off helping the Cavaliers with their Black Heritage Celebration, an annual event. Selma didn't win the Oscar for Best Picture, but I've heard amazing things. John Legend (an Ohioan) and Common won an Oscar for "Glory, their song written for the film.

Cleveland-area students that are a part of the B.R.I.C.K. program, which discusses contemporary issues and devotes itself to community service, watched the film and listened to the award-winning song with Shumpert on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Cavs, it's part of a tradition now into its second decade:

The Cleveland Cavaliers 11th annual Black Heritage Celebration (BHC) tipped off on Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 19th.  This year’s theme is "Making a Difference. One Generation to the Next."   In February, Black History Month, the Cavs are featuring themed game nights dedicated to recognizing the achievements of African Americans who have paved the path for the next generation.  The team's game presentation is highlighting inspiring black history moments- interviews with influential African Americans, including notable Cavs legends and players; and special halftime performances.

It's great to see the Cavs and Iman working with area youth. As a teacher of United States history at the high school level, it gets me even more excited to see the franchise emphasize education and achievement. Go Cavs.