The New York Knicks hosted their Hispanic Heritage night game and presented Queens native Carmen Diaz-Malvido, CEO of ASPIRA of New York, with the Sweetwater Clifton City Spirit Award along with a $10,000 check for her hard work and commitment to bettering the community, presented by the Knicks and partner organization HUB International.
This award is named in honor of Basketball Hall-of-Famer Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African American to play for the Knicks, and recognizes individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives of others through community involvement.
Diaz-Malvido and ASPIRA’s goal is to foster the social advancement of the Puerto Rican/Latino community by supporting its youth in the pursuit of educational excellence through leadership development activities and programs that emphasize commitment to the community and pride in the Puerto Rican/Latino culture.
In addition to the award presentation, the Hispanic Heritage game included elements such as a halftime performance by Latin dance group The Mambo Royalty Dancers, as well as the auction of player-worn “Noches Ene-Be-A” shirts benefiting the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
