WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Wizards and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF) announced today their partnership with Realize the Dream, a national initiative to foster unity and empower communities across America through the power of community service. Realize the Dream is a collaboration between Martin Luther King III Foundation and Legacy+.
"This partnership with the Washington Wizards and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation is a powerful reminder that, when we come together with purpose and a commitment to serve, we can achieve meaningful progress,” said Martin Luther King III. “Realize the Dream is about transforming my father’s—Dr. King’s—legacy into a living, breathing movement that inspires acts of service and empowers communities to create lasting change. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to amplify the call to serve and make an impact."
"We are honored to partner with the Washington Wizards and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation in furthering the vision of Realize the Dream,” said Arndrea Waters King. “This collaboration underscores the extraordinary potential of service to bring people together and drive meaningful progress. Realize the Dream is about turning intention into action, inspiring individuals and communities to step forward and contribute to a more just and equitable world. Together, we are carrying forward a legacy that challenges us all to serve and lead with purpose."
Spearheaded by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, and their daughter Yolanda Renee King, Realize the Dream is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, and aims to create a 100 million hours of community service by 2029, the 100th anniversary of Dr. King’s birthday.
Since its launch in January 2024, Realize the Dream has focused on advancing its mission of service and action across the United States through community service, movement building, and connections & engagement. Activations and initiatives include empowering educators and students through developing and distributing curricular resources surrounding well-being and mental health, financial literacy, STEM, and social entrepreneurship, along with providing youth community service grants, and establishing a National US Youth Council.
As part of this partnership, Washington and MSEF will continue to engage and uplift the DMV community through acts of community service. Past activations include Wizards staff, community and corporate partners coming together to help sort and pack food meal boxes at Capital Area Food Bank.
In the coming months, as part of the team’s efforts to highlight the lasting impacts of Benjamin Banneker, the Wizards will host their annual tree planting at Banneker Place Apartments in Washington, D.C. and will refurbish the lighthouse at Jones Point in Alexandria, VA where the first boundary stone marker was placed.
Those interested in getting involved in community service in their local communities can register HERE to log any service hours they participate in.
The team will also honor Dr. King’s legacy on Thursday, January 16, when the Phoenix Suns visit Capital One Arena. Tip-off is 7:00 p.m.
The Wizards will hold a halftime presentation with Martin Luther King III and his wife Arndrea Waters King to commemorate the announcement of the partnership.
To celebrate Dr. King, fans are encouraged to visit a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. legacy pathway located on the concourse at section 115. Fans will be able to view displays, pictures, and videos of Dr. King throughout his life.
In addition, on January 20 during Howard University’s annual MLK Classic basketball game, MSEF will present a $5,000 scholarship donation to one student attending Dr. King’s alma mater, Morehouse College, and one Howard University student. The Leonsis Family and Jeff Skoll will each match MSEF’s donation, providing a total donation of $15,000 to each student.
The MLK Classic is an annual game between Howard University and Morehouse College which was developed to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Howard in 1957.
Fans interested in attending the Wizards’ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration game can purchase tickets here.
About the Martin Luther King III Foundation
The Martin Luther King III Foundation is an organization dedicated to building up to a new culture of compassion, trust, dignity, acceptance and love through ideas, words and insights. Leading the way in representing the three values: justice, equity and peace.
About Realize the Dream
With the leadership of Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, and Yolanda Renee King, Realize the Dream seeks to inspire generational change and track 100 million hours of service by 2029, marking the 100th anniversary of Dr. King’s birth. By uniting Americans through service, the initiative fosters connection, builds a culture of empathy, and drives collective action to achieve this historic milestone. To get involved and track your hours of service, visit realizethedream.org.
About Legacy+
Legacy+ is a foundry of strategists, designers, creators, storytellers and innovators that brings purpose to life for companies, foundations and individuals by building real movements and legacy projects with life-changing impacts for people and communities around the world. They have partnered with globally renowned thought leaders, activists, CEOs, entertainers, athletes, celebrities and more to inspire millions of youths, educators, companies, and communities to give back through service.
About Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation
MSE Foundation is committed to making the region a better place for all by supporting game-changing solutions for our community. We fundraise, provide grants to nonprofits and rally Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s teams and fans to support and amplify the impact of community change agents. Together, we’re raising the game in the DMV. Learn more at MonumentalFoundation.org and follow the Foundation on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.