Russell Westbrook, a new Los Angeles Clippers guard, will start the team's opening game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday

Westbrook signed with the Clippers on Wednesday after being acquired by the Jazz on Monday in a trade with the Lakers at the deadline

The LA Clippers didn't have to go very far when deciding on the theme of "Celebrating Black Game Changers" in observance of Black History Month

The Clippers benefited greatly from Robert Covington's 10 years of NBA experience and All-Defensive First Team selection last season, but his impact goes far beyond the court.

Together with luminaries like Bob Love and Earl Monroe, he is one of 51 HBCU grads headed for the league and the only one who is currently playing in the NBA.

Being a Black Game Changer, for Covington, is not just about his own path, but also about the individuals who helped him get there

Covington's biggest motivator was his faith in him. It definitely put me through my paces and tested my limits

Fill in sThe feeling is similar to that of the coaches from the HBCU Classic between Grambling State University and Southern University this year me text

The game, according to the coaches, fosters a sense of camaraderie and is a model of familial values. "To these kids, basketball is a family

Donte Jackson, head coach of the Grambling State men's basketball team, stated, "Our intention is to make certain that these young men are prepared for the real world.