Year since Washington change, Native sports imagery evolving
Associated PressWashington will not have any kind of Native American imagery as part of its next name, and the subject is still evolving across sports in the year since the storied NFL franchise dropped arguably the most polarizing moniker left in the pros. “The Washington Football Team’s announcement that they will not be using Native American imagery is a major step towards reconciliation, justice and equality, but there’s still more work to be done,” said Crystal Echo Hawk, founder and executive director of Native American-led nonprofit IllumiNative. “This is a step in the right direction, we ask that the NFL, MLB and NHL urge the Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Blackhawks to follow Washington Football Team president Jason Wright’s lead in order to stand on the right side of history.” Wright, who was named Washington’s team president in August, ruled out Warriors in a lengthy post on the team’s website Monday, saying feedback from Native American communities showed “deep-seated discomfort” about that name. “Failing to acknowledge our past use of Native imagery in the consideration of the new name wouldn’t be mindful of the individuals and communities that were hurt by the previous name,” Wright said. The death of Hall of Famer Hank Aaron in January led some fans to propose a switch to Atlanta Hammers to honor ”Hammerin’ Hank.” HOCKEY The Chicago Blackhawks have shown no signs of considering a name change any time soon, with the club contending it honors Black Hawk, a Native American leader from Illinois’ Sac & Fox Nation.
History of this topic
Washington’s Football Team Ditched Its Offensive Name, But A Senator Wants To Save The Logo
Huff PostSenator wants Washington Commanders to pay tribute to an old logo that offends many Indigenous
Associated Press
The battle to change Native American logos weighs on, but some communities are reinstating them
The IndependentNew Commanders ownership has reignited the debate over the NFL team’s old name
Associated Press)
Washington's NFL team unveils new name as 'Commanders'
Firstpost
Washington’s NFL team unveils new name as Commanders
Associated Press
Washington’s NFL team unveils its new name: Commanders
LA Times
Washington to reveal new name on Feb. 2; won’t be RedWolves
Associated Press
In wake of Indians’ decision, Blackhawks stay with team name
Associated Press
The Cleveland Indians Will Change Its Team Name
Slate
Native American-related teams faced pressure to change their names. Here’s what’s happened since.
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