Black Excellence-Themed Hurricanes Jersey has a Co-op Connection

Jones was featured in-game on PNC Arena’s center scoreboard.

In February, the Carolina Hurricanes released a Black Excellence jersey in honor of Black History Month, featuring a design by North Carolina artist Mike Jones. Jones is the son of Michael Jones, safety coordinator for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Jones drew inspiration for the design from “The Rose That Grew From Concrete,” a poem by the late rapper Tupac Shakur.

“A rose from concrete can be symbolism for not letting somebody deter you from blossoming or being successful, even if it’s in an environment where it doesn’t seem possible,” Jones said. “No matter the circumstances or adversity faced, you don’t let it become who you are and you can still become something beautiful.”

The Black Excellence jersey and shirts featuring the design sold out quickly.

The Black Excellence jersey and shirts featuring the design sold out quickly. Proceeds from sales will support the Durham Success Summit, a nonprofit providing professional development resources to young Black men.

Jones also partnered with Charlotte FC in 2023 to create a special edition Black Excellence jersey, worn by Charlotte FC in their soccer match the week of Juneteenth to celebrate the Black culture and community of the Carolinas.