Hawks announce first-ever MLK Nike ‘City Edition’ uniforms

In July, the Atlanta Hawks announced a trio of new uniforms to debut for the 2020-21 NBA season. While there is still uncertainty as to when that campaign will begin, the Hawks made more news on Sunday evening, announcing this season’s “City Edition” uniforms will “honor the life and work of a global icon and our city’s most favored son, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In an unprecedented partnership, with the King Estate Foundation, NBA, NBPA and Nike.”

“We were honored to learn of the Atlanta Hawks’ desire to pay homage to Dr. King’s life and legacy by using him as the focus of their 2020-21 MLK Nike City Edition uniform design,” said Eric D. Tidwell, Esq., Managing Director & General Counsel of Intellectual Properties Management, Inc., (Manager of the Estate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). “During this challenging climate, it is our hope that this visual reminder of Dr. King’s legacy will inspire people to further educate themselves on how he effected change using his philosophy and methods of nonviolence during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. We look forward to continuing to work with the Hawks to perpetuate his wonderful legacy.”

This release marks the first time in league history the initials of an individual will be featured prominently on the chest of an official NBA game uniform. In addition, the Hawks will be donating proceeds from jersey sales back to the community “to help further initiatives championed by Dr. King.”

From there, the Hawks noted the presence of a three-color scheme on the new uniforms, saying the colorway “speaks to Dr. King’s determination, as well as his understated style.”

Infinity Black — The principal hue of the Atlanta Hawks MLK Nike City Edition uniform denotes our bold, relentless, and unapologetic approach to competition and community.

Vintage Gold — Subtle and sedate golden tone reflects an heir of elegance, highlighting the reverence befitting the memory of a global icon.

Fidelity White — This crisp, classic white symbolizes dedication and loyalty to the great city of Atlanta that we serve with excellence and compassion.

The jerseys will also feature the signature of Dr. King.

Atlanta Hawks

More information can be seen here:

Atlanta Hawks

“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.”

The ‘City Edition’ uniforms will be deployed at “select games” during the 2020-21 season, with a branded court design for home games also expected to be utilized.

Stay tuned.