Overview:
The Dallas Mavericks celebrated Black History Month by honoring five student winners of their 2026 Black History Month Art Contest, which challenged students in grades 8-12 to create digital artwork reflecting the legacy of Black history. The winners' artwork was displayed at a Mavericks home game, and they also had the opportunity to connect directly with the organization and receive encouragement from Mavericks center Daniel Gafford. The students' work explored themes of unity, representation, and cultural legacy, and they were also awarded an all-expenses-paid educational trip to New Orleans and an exhibition at the African American Museum of Dallas.
The Dallas Mavericks recently celebrated a group of young North Texas artists whose work used Black history as both inspiration and lens, exploring themes of unity, representation and cultural legacy. At the intersection of sports, culture and education, the organization’s 2026 Black History Month Art Contest created space for students to turn history into visual storytelling.
During a special Black History Month recognition, the Mavericks honored five student winners of the 2026 Black History Month Art Contest. The initiative challenged students in grades 8 through 12 to create digital artwork reflecting the legacy of Black history and the evolution of representation in the arts across different eras.
After reviewing submissions for creativity, originality, educational value and connection to the theme, a Mavericks selection committee selected five grand prize winners: Kriston McClain, Ilahna Davis, Brielle Yanez, Noah Gloria and Penelope McGarity.
The students were recognized during a Mavericks home game at American Airlines Center, where their artwork was displayed along the arena concourse and highlighted during a halftime ceremony. Beyond the public recognition, the evening also gave the young artists a chance to connect directly with the organization.
Before tipoff, the winners attended a special reception with Mavericks legend Rolando Blackman, who also joined them during the halftime recognition, tying the event to one of the franchise’s most respected figures. After the game, Mavericks center Daniel Gafford spent time reviewing the students’ work and encouraging them to keep developing their voices through art.
Gafford, describing himself as an artist in his own way, praised the students for using their work to communicate something deeper.
“I would say I’m an artist when it comes to the stuff I do on the floor,” Gafford said. “When it comes to something like this, the messages behind it, that’s true talent. You’re showing a message through your work.”
Gafford pointed to the themes that stood out in each piece as he looked at the art on display.
“I loved the one with the scripture. I loved the women’s empowerment message in that one,” he said. “And the message behind the music piece was powerful too. Then the one about unity, that we all have to stick together. Not one person does it alone.”
For the students, the evening was about more than recognition. It was a chance to explain the meaning behind their work and the ideas that inspired it.
Fifteen-year-old Kriston McClain said the piece was rooted in a biblical message about self-reflection.
“My artwork is based on Matthew 7:3, which is one of my favorite verses,” McClain said. “It’s about judgment and learning not to judge others, but instead reflecting on yourself. In the world we live in today, there’s so much judgment, and people focus on differences instead of similarities.”
McClain said seeing the artwork displayed publicly across such a visible platform was both surprising and meaningful.
“Having my art displayed here and knowing people around Dallas will see it is an honor,” McClain said. “I honestly wasn’t expecting this to happen, so I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”
Sixteen-year-old Ilahna Davis, a returning winner from the previous year, approached the piece through the lens of representation in art history.
“I wanted to mainly make it about inclusion,” Davis said. “The centerpiece is inspired by a Renaissance-style portrait, and historically Black people weren’t represented in that style of art. The background references the Harlem Renaissance, which is also the title of my painting.”
Returning to the contest gave Davis a chance to stretch creatively.
“I didn’t expect to win,” she said. “But I wanted to try new things with my art and see if I could make it.”
Seventeen-year-old Brielle Yanez used the contest to express her interpretation of unity.
“I’m glad to be able to share what I believe unity is through my artwork,” Yanez said.
She said having current and former Mavericks engage with her work made the experience even more memorable.
“It was so surreal knowing people like Daniel Gafford and Rolando Blackman were seeing my work,” she said. “I was nervous meeting them, but I’m really glad I got the opportunity. They’re amazing people.”
The youngest winner, 13-year-old Noah Gloria, drew inspiration from the words of civil rights leader Malcolm X.
“My piece includes the quote, ‘wrong is wrong no matter who says it or does it,’” Gloria said. “I think it’s very powerful and impactful in today’s world, especially because it connects to the Civil Rights Movement.”
Gloria said the honor gave him even more motivation to continue pursuing art.
“This definitely inspires me to keep pursuing art,” he said. “I want to keep improving and entering more contests like this.”
Penelope McGarity centered the artwork on the idea of unity across generations of Black history, which included figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Harriet Tubman.
“I like to include inspirational figures from Black history in my art,” McGarity said. “Even though people might be different, they stay together in unity.”
The recognition extended beyond game night. The five winners also earned an all-expenses-paid educational trip to New Orleans from March 14-17, where they will visit historical sites and attend the Mavericks’ road game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Their work will also be exhibited throughout March at the African American Museum of Dallas, giving the broader community an opportunity to experience their interpretations of Black history and cultural influence.
Gafford left the students with a message about staying committed to their craft.
“Keep doing what you’re doing,” Gafford told them. “I’m sure you’re working every day to perfect your craft. Keep pushing those messages through your art.”
In remarks shared exclusively with Dallas Weekly, Gafford expanded on that encouragement and reflected on the importance of finding purpose, even beyond one path.
“Everybody has a talent when it comes to whatever their niche is,” Gafford said. “If you find your niche in life, it can take you a long way.”
For these five young artists, the Mavericks’ contest became more than a recognition ceremony. It became a reminder that Black history continues to inspire new voices, new visions and new ways of being seen.