Knicks celebrate Pride at Madison Square Garden

The Knicks featured Rainbow Flags on the court during Pride Ngiht festivities.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks hosted a Pride Night game at Madison Square Garden during the team’s Jan. 9 matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, representing the latest edition of an annual team tradition that first started in 2018.

The Knicks posted about the Pride Night festivities across the team’s social media platforms throughout the evening. The first 10,000 fans received a special Pride Night tote bag, which was sponsored by Delta Air Lines, and the inside and outside of MSG had rainbow lighting.

The team honored Melissa D’ Andrea Sullivan, the New York-born executive director of PFLAG NYC, which supports families of LGBTQ individuals. Sullivan was the recipient of the Sweetwater Clifton “City Spirit” Award, which is named in honor of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, who was the Knicks’ first Black player. The award acknowledges individuals who have made contributions to the lives of others through involvement in the community.

Sullivan was honored during an on-court ceremony featuring out Queens City Councilmember Lynn Schulman, who represents Rego Park, Forest Hills, Jamaica Hills-Briarwood, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, South Richmond Hill, Ozone Park (North), South Ozone Park, Jamaica, and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

“Proudly commemorating PRIDE Night,” the Knicks said in a post on X. “We’re happy to honor Melissa D’ Andrea Sullivan of @pflagnyc with the Sweetwater Clifton City Spirit Award. Thanks to Queens Councilwoman Lynn Schulman for participating in this special recognition.”

Sullivan said the award serves as an inspiration to continue her work in the community.

“I learned to leave places better than I found them,” Sullivan said in a written statement. “At PFLAG NYC, and other social justice and equity-focused spaces, we talk a lot about creating ‘brave spaces.’ I would like to be remembered as a person…