The Memphis Grizzlies have just revealed a new special edition "MLK50 Pride" alternate jersey to be worn in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. The Grizzlies will debut the new uniforms on Sunday, January 15th in a nationally televised game against the Chicago Bulls.
The jerseys draw on inspiration from the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the place where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Grizzlies President of Business Operations, Jason Wexler had this to say about the new MLK50 Pride gear:
"We’re deeply honored to work with our longstanding partners at the National Civil Rights Museum to help them launch the commemorations building towards the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination. The MLK50 Pride uniform to be worn for the first time on January 15th during our annual weekend Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration is a means of both furthering our partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum and creating awareness of the Museum’s vital message of social and economic justice in our city, our nation and the world."
Every design aspect of the MLK50 Pride uniforms serves a purpose. The black color was chosen as a sign of respect for the Civil Rights movement, and the "Memphis" text on the chest showcases the marriage of the historic Lorraine Motel sign on the south side of the building and the Grizzlies’ inline typeface.
Additionally, the piping replicates the railing surrounding the exterior walkways and balconies of the hotel and museum, the sea foam color accents and numbers are pulled directly from the doors at rooms 306 and 307, where Dr. King spent his last moments, and the icon on the chest was designed to represent the wreath that hangs where Dr. King was slain.
A+ execution all around, despite the fact that they're of the sleeved variety.
The jerseys will be available to fans on January 1st, as the Grizzlies and teams around the NBA tip off their annual MLK celebration.
[Via]
