Timberwolves & Lynx Launch Inaugural Black History Month Essay Contest for Students

Winners to be chosen by Timberwolves Guard Kris Dunn and Lynx Forward Rebekkah Brunson

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx are teaming up on an inaugural Black History Month essay contest.

The contest is looking for Minnesota students to submit an essay on a leader in American Black History that inspires them to be a leader today. A panel of Timberwolves & Lynx employees will review the submissions to narrow it down to the top essays, then those top essays will be reviewed by Rebekkah Brunson and Kris Dunn, who will choose one grand-prize winner and two runners-up. Every participant in the essay contest will receive two Timberwolves tickets to a game in March and a special ticket offer to attend a Lynx game this summer at the Xcel Energy Center.

“I think it’s important to celebrate Black History Month to look back at the struggle, the accomplishments and the strength of black people throughout history,” said Rebekkah Brunson. “It is also important to remember and highlight black trailblazers, so we do not forget what they have done and continue to do throughout all aspects of our society not only pertaining to civil rights, but also in fields from medicine to science to education. Celebrate BHM with me by writing about someone who has inspired you!”

The grand-prize winner will receive four lower level tickets to the Timberwolves Fan Appreciation game on Thursday, April 11 which includes a chance to sit on the team bench pregame, and tickets for the Tuesday, May 23 Lynx game for their entire classroom of up to 50 students with a postgame meet and greet with Rebekkah Brunson. The runners-up will receive a Timberwolves & Lynx gift bag with signed Kris Dunn and Rebekkah Brunson photos.

“Black History Month is a great time to reflect on all of the amazing African American leaders throughout our country’s history that have made and continue to make an impact,” said Timberwolves rookie Kris Dunn. “There have been many leaders that I’ve looked up to over the years and I’m looking forward to reading these essays to see who’s inspiring kids in Minnesota today.”

Submissions are currently being accepted and the contest will run through February 24. Essays should be between 500-750 words and be submitted as an attachment to fastbreakfoundation@timberwolves.com and include the entrants first and last name, school, grade, teacher, guardian contact information and mailing address. Contest is open to all elementary, middle and high school students. For more information, visit www.timberwolves.com/community or www.lynxbasketball.com/community .