Toronto Raptors, Say It Loud: Interview with Savanna Hamilton

The concept of community has evolved this year. So many conditions have been equally restricted, and hopes for simple freedoms and joys that we "used to" experience are felt collectively. Here in Toronto. Across Canada, and worldwide.

Fortunately, on July 30, one of the joys that returned after a four month pandemic-hiatus was the basketball season...and our hometown reigning NBA champion Toronto Raptors are now in the middle of the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Boston Celtics (who won tonight's game 102-99 and are now leading the series 2-0).

As a part of the sports community, we are all engaged in the events taking place within the NBA. It is a part of our daily routine. As members of the global community--and citizens of this city in particular--we all have a role to play in terms of supporting, endorsing, and translating the messages and wishes of our officials. This includes government representatives in some cases, but also of the community leaders and intellects who represent Toronto in other ways. From City Hall, to the classroom, grassroots organizations, and individual trailblazers, our strength is not only in numbers, but also in actions.

The Raptors have been impressive, in how they have chosen to utilize their unique platform in this moment. This year. They are employing every opportunity to speak, to broadcast their images and messages, and their words are targeted. We know exactly where they stand. In collaboration with the NBA, they are focused on not only repeating their championship title, but also in inspiring change and action from their global fan base. They are boldly mobilizing the Raptors community in new ways. They are declaring that Black Lives Matter, loud and clear.

We almost lost the NBA season last week when boycotts were contemplated, and frustrations were high. Fortunately, the Black community and the NBA have been so closely connected over the years; the league was able to meet with players and outline objectives for the rest of the season including assisting voter access in the November U.S. election, and creating action-based advertising to encourage civic engagement.

This is why the NBA community is a special one, and why the unification can't be taken for granted. This moment is developing a renewed sense of leadership amongst the players, and a sense of responsibility they are taking very seriously.

Making it to the finals and getting another ring would be awesome, but the increased enlightenment of the consciousness of the Raptors organization and fans will also be something tangible to walk away with at the end of the 2020 season. And there to tell the story from all angles, is the Raptors production team. From Open Gym, to the network of programming and news series' through NBA TV and across the sports channels, we have a great look into the lives and activities of the players...plus the game analysis that sports fans crave.

Over the past few years, one of the artists behind the cinematic Raptors videos has been Savanna Hamilton. Savanna has had her work featured on TSN and Sportsnet and has developed basketball media from script writing, to production/direction, and on-camera hosting. A sports fan and media professional, her talents have also placed her with media positions at CBC and Rogers, in addition to being the former arena MC/host for her alma mater, Ryerson University.

(VIDEO: Savanna as a Ryerson Rams basketball team member)

Savanna has been able to seamlessly understand the psyche and mechanics of athleticism as a media professional because she has been engaged in sports her entire life. Following in the skilled footsteps of her father and aunts, Savanna and her twin sister Oceana have both committed their lives to basketball, and have excelled in their pursuits.

(VIDEO: Savanna's college recruitment mixtape)

A graduate of Ryerson's Sports Media program, Savanna's time on the court was dampened when she experienced a knee injury during her rookie season. Up until then, a lifetime of preparation, practice, competition, and success as a power forward, solidified her commitment to the game.

Without missing a beat, her sports media training has evolved into a career as a familiar face of our Raptors franchise reporting, and a knowledgeable addition to the overall sports conversation in the city. After initially working at NBA TV's "The Hangout" with with Akil Augustine and Duane Watson, Savanna was an associate producer with the program, in addition to contributing production work with the network.

Over the years, Savanna has served as a host and producer with MLSE Partners, producing content for the TFC, the Leafs, and also the Raptors 905, and Toronto Marlies. She's hosted the "Rap-Up" session on the Raptors Instagram account, engaging millions of supporters for the past few years, in addition to being featured on NBA XL as a guest and host.

Those awesome cinematic Raptors videos (like the Nelson Mandela Tribute and "Welcome Toronto" video)...Savanna had her hand in creating those as she followed the lead of MLSE producer, Toni Francis. Her understanding of the Raptors specifically, and the city of Toronto athletics in general, runs deep.

(VIDEO: Savanna's appearance in a SportsChek promotion; interviews, and profile produced by Ryerson RTA)

A sports fan and natural athlete, Savanna's insight into the game, the players, the movement, and the moment are crucial to how we as fans understand our team, and ensure that we engage accordingly. We spoke to producer and host Savanna Hamilton about her role as a sports journalist, and how her rich family history in basketball has informed and guided her career with the Raptors.

KYA PUBLISHING: You have a combination of basketball experience on the court, as well as formal training in sports media. How has your personal background informed the way you report/communicate sports news?

SAVANNA HAMILTON: First off, I'm very grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I've had so far in my career on and off the court! 

I grew up in a basketball family where almost every holiday we'd be playing ball outside or arguing about which NBA team would win the chip that year. My family pushed me to find my voice and be assertive. 

The knowledge that I've gained from playing is where I draw from the most from when speaking. I find myself recalling plays and actions that I learned under my Ryerson University coach, Carly Clarke. I've had amazing teammates that have taught me invaluable lessons about the game too. All of these experiences have made me comfortable in communicating sports news because I know that it's coming from an authentic and knowledgeable place.

KYA PUBLISHING: Your work with the Raptors has been thought-provoking through your video production, and also conversations you've had through Raptors Today/NBA TV Canada. What's the main difference for you in being behind the camera, or in front of it...and has that changed this year during the pandemic/and other social unrest?

SAVANNA HAMILTON: Thank you very much, I'm glad you've been able to take something away from the videos and conversations! I really appreciate that. There are a lot of differences between being behind-the-scenes and in front of the camera. I find that producing allows me to illustrate what stories and messages I want people to hear/understand. Producing is a lot more constructed, planned, and organized. 

Hosting On-Air is LIVE! You can have a framework of conversation planned but you never really know what other people will say. That's why listening is so important. Someone could tell you a new piece of information that you never planned to cover but it's really intriguing! It can be a completely different perspective that you never considered before. Hosting is about being adaptable, high-energy, and engaging not only with your co-hosts or interviewees but with your audiences as well. 

In summary, producing behind-the-scenes tends to be about planning and organization while On-Air is about being adaptable in the moment.

KYA PUBLISHING: The Raptors have had an instrumental position in the NBA's commitment to supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, and related initiatives in support of social justice. The WNBA is also a key voice in this movement. How do you think the voices of the WNBA players are adding a unique element to the overall conversation about equality?

SAVANNA HAMILTON: The WNBA has been a vocal leader in social justice issues for as long as I can remember. They've spoken out about LGBTQ+ rights and BLM. Back in 2017 before game 3 of the WNBA finals, the Minnesota Lynx took a knee during the anthem while the Los Angeles Sparks stayed in the locker room to make a statement. The season before that, WNBA teams were fined for violating the league uniform policy by wearing Black Lives Matter t-shirts before the game. They followed that by also only speaking about social justice issues in post-game media scrums just as the NBA players are doing now. They are unique in the fact that they aren't afraid to speak up when it's unpopular to do so and they are leaders in these kinds of conversations.

KYA PUBLISHING: Basketball fans have had a lot to reflect on this year. Starting with the devastating passing of Kobe Bryant, plus that insightful Michael Jordan documentary, and now we are hearing voices and bold opinions and perspectives from players in a new way. Do you believe the NBA players in particular have a different type of personal effect on their fans, in comparison to other professional sports?

SAVANNA HAMILTON: NBA players reach their audiences well through their self-expression. Players aren't afraid to use their voices and they understand that not everyone has the level of the platform that they do. They reach their fans through their relatability and their boldness. Audiences tend to feel that they know them as people because they talk and express themselves. The tragic losses of the basketball community have felt like losing a friend. We've watched them so closely for such a long time. They are our heroes, advocates, businesses men, competitors, and just fellow human beings making differences in this world. 

KYA PUBLISHING: I miss being inside the arena, as a fan!  What can we as fans do, to continue to support our team from afar? What types of actions are helpful and productive...that Raptors fans can engage in to support our players during the playoffs, and also support them in the other changes they are committed to making in the community?

SAVANNA HAMILTON: I'd like to think that basketball and community are one and the same. If you are a Raptors fan then you probably already support the team by watching them play. Now it's time to listen, talk, and pursue change. Listen to what the players are saying. I've heard people say 'they should just focus on basketball,' but how can they do that when their brothers and sisters are suffering? The Black community is hurting. It's been hurting for a long time. Fans need to understand with an empathetic ear and recognize that there is a problem. It's not just an 'American problem;' this has affected the world. 

Don't be silent. Speak to your family, friends, and coworkers. It can't just be the Black community talking, it has to be EVERYONE. We need to ask ourselves if the people around us truly know what's happening and to the extent that it is at right now. We've all been born into a society where systemic racism has existed long before we arrived. Recognizing exactly where systemic racism lives in today's world is the first step, and then changing it is the second. 

That's where challenging and pursuing change comes in. Education reform and de-funding the police are some of the ultimate goals we can achieve together. However, individuals can also challenge laws in their own communities. There are lists and websites that specifically call out the changes that can be made in your neighborhood. Look at where you work--is it an accepting environment for people of all skin colours? Are they treated the same as everyone else? Is compensation equal? One of the immediate actions anyone can take is simply voting. 

KYA PUBLISHING: How do you plan to use your career in sports and media to effect change? Where would you like to see this current moment in time taking you, in terms of your reporting and/or activism?

SAVANNA HAMILTON: I plan to use my career to effect change by speaking up and not holding back on informing audiences about what is happening on and off the court. I realize that not everyone has a platform to speak on subjects like these and I don't take that for granted. My career goals have always circled back to being an effective storyteller and conveying a message for people to understand. I know where I want to be in my career but right now I'm focusing on executing to the best of my ability. I'm fortunate to work with some amazing people that help make that possible. 

KYA PUBLISHING: Working with the Raptors, what is something you've walked away with from your interactions...aside from the game, and athleticism itself? What have you learned through the organization, the players, and the supporting staff around this team?

SAVANNA HAMILTON: I've learned that this team truly cares about the community--from Giants of Africa headed by Masai Ujiri, to the involvement that each player has brought to Toronto or in their own neighborhoods. This team is unified in its mission to change systemic racism. I'm proud to work for an organization that isn't afraid to speak up.

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Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's blog.

Photos via Savanna Hamilton, Raptors, NBA TV, NBA, Ryerson online.