Hornets Social Justice Platform
HSE Commitment to Equality, Equity & Education
Hornets Sports & Entertainment is dedicated to creating and upholding a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity. Through the organization’s social justice platform, HSE uses its voice to raise awareness around the needs of our community while creating equitable and educational opportunities for all. While social justice is a broad term, the Hornets are focused on three specific areas:
Economic Mobility
The initial focus of HSE’s Social Justice Platform was on economic mobility, which has been an important topic in Charlotte since a 2014 Harvard study ranked Charlotte 50th out of 50 among America’s largest cities in economic mobility. This means a child born into poverty in Charlotte has a greater chance of remaining impoverished as they get older than any other major city in the United States.
Racial Equity
Racial equity – the systematic fair treatment of people of all races that results in equitable opportunities and outcomes for everyone – is a topic that overlays so many issues including economic mobility and voting. HSE has an internal priority of using an equitable lens and is committed to ensuring that inclusion is fully integrated into its core, while inspiring people both within and outside the organization to dive deeper into these important issues.
Voting
Voting is an essential right in our country, and all citizens should have the ability to participate in the electoral process and make their voices heard. In September 2020, HSE launched its Swarm the Polls initiative aimed at driving voter registration, access and turnout for the national election. As we continue our focus in this space, the Hornets will begin highlighting and promoting the importance of local elections.
Notable NBA Affiliates
