WASHINGTON (US) – The NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks said they will not alter their name or logo amid pressure on sports teams having Native American names and symbols to do so. This comes in the wake of demands to do away with racially insensitive material.
In a statement to the Chicago Sun-Times, the team explained that its name was a tribute to the Black Hawk of Illinois’ Sac & Fox Nation, and that it would strive to create awareness about Native American culture.
Last week, NFL’s Washington Redskins and MLB’s Cleveland Indians announced that they would consider changing their names.
According to the Blackhawks, their name and log symbolised an “important and historic person … whose leadership and life has inspired generations of Native Americans, veterans and the public”.
“We recognize there is a fine line between respect and disrespect, and we commend other teams for their willingness to engage in that conversation.
“Moving forward, we are committed to raising the bar even higher to expand awareness of Black Hawk and the important contributions of all Native American people.”
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field