Atlanta Hawks Unveil New MLK Jerseys

Posted on by Sagar Biswas

The Atlanta Hawks introduced their new special “MLK” uniforms to honor civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

What We Know:

  • The Atlanta Hawks are partnering with the King Estate, the NBA, the Players Association, and Nike to bring these special edition uniforms to life. Proceeds from these jersey sales will be donated toward the economic empowerment of communities of color in Atlanta and additional initiatives championed by Dr. King and his family.

  • Dr. King is the first individual to have his name or initials prominently featured on the chest of an official NBA jersey. The black, white, and gold uniforms will also feature King’s signature. These uniforms are part of Nike’s NBA City Edition Jerseys. The City Edition incorporates different elements from a team and city’s history and culture into the jersey design. The Hawks will also use MLK City Edition-branding on the court of State Farm Arena for the games they choose to wear these jerseys.
  • “This year the Atlanta Hawks are proud to honor the life and work of a global icon and our city’s most favored son, Dr. Martin Luther, Jr.,” the Hawks said in a statement. “Now more than ever since his untimely passing, the eyes and ears of the world are focused on the evolution of social justice, poised to elevate Dr. King’s vision from an aspiration to a universal reality of equality and dignity for all races.”
  • The Hawks had a rough go of it in 2019-2020, finishing with a 20-47 record and the 14th seed in the East. Their future does look bright with a young and promising roster and a solid coach and front office. The franchise’s centerpiece is of course Trae Young, who averaged an absurd 29.6 points and 9.3 assists per game and made his first All-Star team at just 21-years-old.

The Hawks’ decision to honor Dr. King is the latest action in social justice the league has taken this year. “We are building bridges through basketball to better the world around us. We vow to work, to fight to take action . . . to earn these letters every day,” the team said.

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