Atlanta Hawks and Be The People Honor Changemaker Mikal Driver
Recognition spotlights local leader and growing Atlanta Changemakers effort connecting community action to national movement
The Atlanta Hawks and Be The People honored Atlanta educator and community leader Mikal Driver as a “Changemaker” during their April 6 game against New York at State Farm Arena, recognizing his work to expand opportunity for young people across the city.
Be The People is a national effort to connect organizations in communities across the country with millions of Americans ready to do their part to help solve the problems holding people back and invites them to share their stories and inspire others to do the same.
Atlanta Changemakers is a community-driven initiative launched by the Atlanta Hawks and Be The People to spotlight local leaders making a difference across the city and connect their stories to opportunities for Atlantans to get involved and find their role in solving problems.
Mikal was selected from more than 670 nominated Atlantans, with his work expanding opportunity for young people across the city and demonstrating how everyday leadership can drive meaningful change.
I’m honored to be recognized through Atlanta Changemakers by the Hawks and Be The People. To be nominated and included alongside so many people showing up every day to support young people and create opportunity across our city means a lot — and it’s a reminder that we all have a role to play in solving challenges and building a stronger future for the next generation.”
An Atlanta native, Mikal, has dedicated his career to building people-centered systems that support education, mentorship, and long-term opportunity for young Atlantans. From classrooms to community programs, his work focuses on unlocking potential and creating pathways for success. He is recognized for bringing people together, investing in others, and helping shape a stronger future for Atlanta through action.
“By partnering with Be The People and Stand Together, we are continuing the Hawks’ legacy of community leadership by spotlighting influential Atlanta leaders like Mikal Driver and connecting fans with meaningful ways to take action,” said Alexis Roe, Vice President of Community Impact for the Hawks. “These stories show how everyday people strengthen our communities, reminding us that everyone has a role to play in Atlanta’s progress and its future.”
The recognition builds on the Atlanta Changemakers campaign, launched earlier this year by the Hawks and Be The People to spotlight local leaders driving community action across the city. Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King were the first Changemakers honored by the Hawks at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day game in January for their Realize the Dream initiative to engage people in 100 million hours of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 100th birthday on January 15 2029.
Atlanta has always been a city shaped by people who chose to get involved, not stand on the sidelines. Atlanta Changemakers honors that tradition by reminding us that real progress comes from everyday acts of service, leadership, and courage.”
The recognition builds on the Atlanta Changemakers campaign, launched earlier this year by the Hawks and Be The People to spotlight local leaders driving community action across the city.
“Atlanta has always been a city shaped by people who chose to get involved, not stand on the sidelines,” said Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King, who were the first Changemakers honored by the Hawks at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day game in January for their Realize the Dream initiative to engage people in 100 million hours of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 100th birthday on January 15 2029. “Atlanta Changemakers honors that tradition by reminding us that real progress comes from everyday acts of service, leadership, and courage.”
At the game, all fans received a limited-edition commemorative t-shirt. In addition, the concourse featured a fan activation inspired by Atlanta culture and local art, featuring exclusive Doodle x Be The People x Hawks merchandise designed by Atlanta-based illustrator, designer, and animator Jordan “Doodlejor” Best. Fans who engaged with the activation received custom items designed by Doodlejor.
“Leaders like those honored by the Hawks remind us that every day across Atlanta and around the country, people are stepping up in their communities to help solve the problems holding people back,” said Brian Hooks, chairman and CEO of Stand Together, the philanthropic community that serves as the social impact partner of the Atlanta Hawks and a founding member of Be The People’s National Leadership Council, which also includes the NBA, Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King along with many others. “Be The People is helping bring those stories to a bigger stage and showing what’s possible when people come together to make a difference.”
Honoring Mikal Driver marks the next chapter — continuing to elevate the people strengthening Atlanta’s communities and inspiring more Atlantans to take part.