Masai Ujiri and the Raptors Host Star-Studded Event to Honour Nelson Mandela Today

It's no secret that Masai Ujiri wears his Nigerian background proudly on his sleeve. He's often said that the most pressure he feels on a day to day basis is not from his role as Toronto Raptors General Manager, but from the need to give back to people in his home continent. Ujiri has always taken a lead position in using his power as a sports executive to speak out on prominent issues relating to Africa. It's no surprise then that he's played an integral role in ensuring the NBA community recognizes the legacy and achievements of the late Nelson Mandela.

On the first anniversary of Mandela's passing, the Raptors will be hosting an evening-long celebration of his life, while also supporting the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Ujiri's non-profit organization, Giants of Africa. The event will include a who's who of guests making their way up North to pay their respects to Nelson Mandela and his foundation. Some notable guests include: Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson, Dikembe Mutombo, Tracy McGrady, Jonathan Bernier, Brendan Shanahan, among others.

For more information on the event, visit the event page.

. @OfficialMutombo joins our celebration of Nelson Mandela on Friday! Watch him in his own words on Mandela's message http://t.co/kKoeJtbPwT

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 3, 2014

With the Raptors taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:30 PM, it promises to be a great night.