Black Excellence Celebration

The Cleveland Guardians are excited to celebrate and honor Black History! This will include our second-annual Black Excellence Celebration presented by Nestlé at Progressive Field on Sunday, July 5. 

As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure everyone has a chance to be part our game, the Guardians work in partnership with local community organizations to provide learning and education to our staff and teammates throughout the entire year. We know that jewel events like our Black Excellence Celebration allow us to intentionally spotlight the collective stories of hope, struggle, and opportunity that make our city and team better.

Sunday, July 5 – Black Excellence Celebration presented by Nestlé

Join the Guardians for a day of education and celebration for all fans.

• Ceremonial First Pitches by Larry Doby Jr. and Justin Bibb, Cleveland Mayor
• National Anthem performance by local actor & performer, Colleen Longshaw Jackson
• Game ball delivery from Felton Thomas Jr., Executive Director of the Cleveland Public Library
• On-field celebration recognizing the Cleveland Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Fund
• Pregame West African Drum performance by Djapo Cultural Arts Institute
• Black Excellence Community Resource Fair behind the SeatGeek Infield Lounge (1:00 p.m. – 3:00pm)
• Black Excellence photo opportunity in the Corner Bar
• Special fan giveaways from the Cleveland Strikers
• In-game content highlighting Black Excellence resources on the scoreboard
• And more!

Fans can upgrade their experience by purchasing a Special Ticket Package for the July 5 game! The Special Ticket Package includes:

• Game ticket in the Lower Box our Upper Box Outfield sections
• Limited-edition “Black Excellence C” logo cap
• NEW FOR 2026: “Party in the Pennant District” event with unlimited food & Pepsi products, exclusive giveaways, live entertainment and a welcoming space to connect with your community *Menu includes hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, Pepsi products and a special dessert

Friday, June 12– Near West Theater Juneteenth Celebration

• Join us for a celebration of freedom, culture, and community as we honor Juneteenth! Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the official emancipation of enslaved people following the announcement in Texas on June 19, 1865. It is celebrated as a day to honor freedom, community, and resilience. This celebration is a joyful gathering for everyone to recognize our shared history and the ongoing journey toward equality.

Saturday, September 12 – Fresh Fest Cleveland

• Fresh Fest Cleveland will return this September 12, 2026 from 1pm - 9pm with an amazing line-up of music, and a full day of unforgettable performances, art installations, health and wellness activities, farmer’s market, chef tastings, local vendors, hands-on activities, workshops, and a kids zone filled with fun for the whole family!

The Guardians are proud to celebrate local organizations supporting the Black community:

• Cleveland Public Library
• Djapo Cultural Arts Institute
• Realize the Dream Foundation
• Cleveland NAACP
• National Pan Hellenic Council of Greater Cleveland
• Baseball Heritage Museum
• Rid-All Farms
• Teaching Cleveland
• Young Men Growing
• B Buzz Little League
• African American Cultural Garden

Cleveland Guardians social platform, CLE Inspires, will share highlights from the Cleveland Guardians Black Excellence Celebration on Sunday, July 5.