For Black History Month and beyond, it’s very likely that you will find the Atlanta Hawks with their ‘MLK jerseys” on for some home games.
What Does The MLK Stand For On The Atlanta Hawks’ Jerseys?
The MLK stands for the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. How those jerseys came to be is a fascinating story culminating in a first-of-its-kind partnership between the King estate, the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and a popular sportswear company.
That sportswear company happens to be Nike, which manufactured the MLK jerseys, which are officially called MLK Nike City Edition uniforms.
Why Do The Atlanta Hawks Have MLK On Their Jersey?
The short answer is that the Atlanta Hawks have MLK on their jerseys to pay homage to a civil rights activist and hero who called Atlanta home. King’s birth home still sits in Old Fourth Ward at 501 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312, but more importantly, the leader’s principles of nonviolence continue to resonate today.
The Atlanta Hawks debuted MLK jerseys for the first time on January 17, 2022 in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Hawks home court also bore the letters ‘MLK.”
“It is an incredible privilege to be able to represent the legacy of Dr. King, one of Atlanta’s native sons and one of the nation’s most transformative leaders. His message of equality, non-violence, and justice is as relevant today as it was in the 60s and we are proud to not only help educate legions of young fans about Dr. King’s work, but empower them to pick up his mantle and embody the change they wish to see in their communities,” said Hawks Chief Marketing Officer, Melissa Proctor. “We are honored that the King Estate would entrust us with these powerful initials.”
5 Things About The MLK Jersey You Didn’t Know
1. The MLK jersey is made up of three primary colors:
- Infinity Black: This symbolizes the team’s bold, relentless, and unapologetic approach to competition and community.
- Vintage Gold: This hue befits the memory of King and reflects an air of sophistication.
- Fidelity White: This color embodies the team’s dedication and loyalty to the great city of Atlanta along with the ideals of equality and compassion.
2. The Colors Also Represent King’s Greek Fraternity
MLK was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, one of the largest and most popular black Greek organizations at American universities and colleges.
King pledged the fraternity while enrolled at Morehouse College in southwest Atlanta.
3. The Stars Represent the Number Of Times King Was Detained By Police
According to the Hawks website: “The stars donning both sides of the shorts represent 22 of the 29 times Dr. King was jailed fighting for justice and equality, while also paying tribute to the dedicated student freedom fighters who engaged in sit-ins all over the South. Of them, he said, “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.” Towards the bottom of the jersey, Dr. King’s personal signature graces the authenticity tag.”
4. The Jersey Design Also Nods To MLK’s Church Affiliations
Design details pay homage to architectural features of the many churches that King delivered some of his most powerful sermons.
For example, the uniform is trimmed in white and gold, mirroring the silhouette of stained-glass windows you’d find at many churches in the South. The crown and shield symbol on the shorts is influenced by church windows and King’s personal effects.
5. The Hawks’ Logo Encircled In Black Symbolizes Black People’s Struggle
According to the Hawks’ website, “At the waistband is the Hawks’ Primary Icon logo encircled in black symbolizing the continuous quest of the Black community to achieve freedom and justice.”
Final Word
Will the Hawks wear their MLK jerseys for MLK Day coming up? Only time will tell.
Make sure you support the Hawks by buying tickets to Philips Arena. If you can’t go to the game, you can watch the Hawks live for free on TV.
