Wizards Celebrate John Wall And Launch Black History Month

Capital One Arena has been buzzing with excitement and pride lately, and for good reason. The Washington Wizards have kicked off 2026 with a heartfelt tribute to one of their all-time greats, John Wall, and are following it up with a month of Black History celebrations that promise to connect fans across generations and honor the rich cultural heritage of basketball in the DMV area.

On January 29, 2026, the Wizards turned the spotlight on John Wall, the franchise's beloved point guard and five-time all-star. Wall, who was the number one pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, officially retired from the league just a few months ago. The team wasted no time in showing their appreciation, hosting a special night at Capital One Arena that brought together fans, former teammates, and the entire Wizards organization to celebrate his remarkable contributions both on and off the court.

Wall's legacy with the Wizards is undeniable. He leads the franchise in both assists and steals, and his electrifying playstyle helped carry the team through some challenging years. "John Wall’s the man. He helped us out through those rough years," said longtime fan Eric Prum, echoing the sentiments of many in attendance. Shawtay Hill, another dedicated supporter, added, "We were season ticket holders since he’s been here, the whole time," highlighting just how much Wall has meant to the city's basketball faithful.

The evening was packed with nostalgia and joy. Fans were treated to bobbleheads commemorating Wall's unforgettable three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2017 playoffs against the Boston Celtics—a moment that still gives Wizards fans goosebumps. The team made it clear that this was about more than just numbers and accolades; it was about honoring a player who gave his heart to Washington, D.C., and became a symbol of hope and resilience for the community.

"Tonight’s all about showing the love to John and his great career. He gave so much to the organization and so much to Washington, D.C. off the court as well," said Zach Leonsis, President of Media and New Enterprises for Monumental Sports. Leonsis also addressed a question on many fans' minds: why wasn’t Wall’s jersey retired during the ceremony? "Listen, this is fresh. John just retired. I mean, a lot of players, they need multiple years before they’re considered for the Hall of Fame, before they’re in consideration for a jersey retirement or anything like that. We’re focused on immediately kind of giving John his flowers and you know we’ll see what the future holds." So while the jersey retirement is still up in the air, the love for Wall was front and center.

And as if the emotional tribute wasn’t enough, the Wizards delivered on the court as well, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 109-99 in front of a jubilant home crowd. The win was a fitting backdrop to a night dedicated to one of the franchise’s greatest leaders. The energy in the arena was palpable, with fans relishing both the victory and the chance to honor a player who helped define a generation of Wizards basketball.

But the celebration of legacy and community doesn’t stop there. As February rolls in, the Wizards and their G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go, are pulling out all the stops for Black History Month. The organizations have crafted a series of themed game nights, giveaways, and cultural activations designed to honor Black pioneers in basketball and the broader DMV community.

The festivities kick off on February 3 with "A Night of Black Excellence & NBA Pioneers Celebration" during the Wizards’ matchup against the New York Knicks. The evening will shine a spotlight on trailblazers such as Earl Lloyd—the first African American to play in an NBA game—and Dr. E.B. Henderson, known as the "Grandfather of Black Basketball." Fans will have the chance to learn about the Black Fives Era, when all-Black teams flourished, and take home exclusive merchandise, including a City Edition hat designed by AJ Johnson for the first 10,000 attendees.

These events are about more than just basketball—they’re about bridging generations and honoring the unsung heroes who paved the way for today’s stars. "When you think of the Wizards, you [automatically think] basketball, but you’re not seeing exactly what they’re doing for the DMV area, and this is just one small piece," said Bowie State University alumnus Ari’Anna Redmond during last year’s Black History Month campaign. Her words ring true as the Wizards continue to use their platform to celebrate and uplift the community.

The Capital City Go-Go will join the celebration on February 7 when they face Birmingham. Fans can explore a Black History Museum installation on the concourse and watch a video tribute to the history of go-go music—a genre synonymous with D.C. culture. The first 500 fans will receive a "The District is Black History" t-shirt, and the evening will feature a performance by District Kings, a group of local musicians led by Jammin Jeffrey Warren. It’s an immersive experience designed to honor the past while inspiring the present.

Sneakerheads, mark your calendars for February 20. The Wizards’ "Sneaker Night," presented by Hennessy, will transform Capital One Arena into a showcase of the freshest kicks in the city. Before the game against the Indiana Pacers, fans can attend a Hennessy-themed block party at District E, complete with cocktail tastings, a virtual reality experience, and a 360-degree photobooth. The night also has a charitable angle: Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation will donate $10,000 to Soles4Souls, a nonprofit that puts unwanted shoes and clothing to good use in communities in need. Fans who purchase tickets through the digital link will receive limited-edition Wizards crew socks, while supplies last.

Recognition continues on February 22, when the winners of the E.B. Henderson Essay Contest will be honored during the Wizards’ game against the Charlotte Hornets. It’s yet another example of how the team is encouraging young fans to engage with and learn from the history of Black excellence in sports.

The month-long celebration culminates on February 28 with a vibrant tribute to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the Divine Nine (D9)—the historically Black sororities and fraternities. Fans are encouraged to wear their school or fraternity/sorority colors for a homecoming-style party, which will include performances, a pregame block party, and recognition of the 2026 HBCU Hustle Hard Competition and Battle of the DJs winners. The Go-Go’s game against the College Park Skyhawks at CareFirst Arena will feature an all-day HBCU & D9 Day Party, complete with tributes to the legacy of these storied institutions.

From honoring a franchise legend to celebrating the cultural trailblazers who shaped basketball and the city itself, the Wizards are making sure that this season is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about legacy, community, and the enduring spirit of Washington, D.C. As the Wizards continue their campaign on and off the court, fans can look forward to a February filled with pride, reflection, and plenty of reasons to cheer.