Chicago Blackhawks Decide to Keep Their Name

The Chicago Blackhawks decide to keep their team name. They are “raising the bar higher” to increase awareness of Native American culture. This issue comes back to light amidst the protest for equality for all and racial injustice in the United States.

The Decision

The Chicago Blackhawks decide to keep their name in the midst of some sports teams having to look into changing their names. Image courtesy: Jonathon Daniel

The Blackhawks put out a statement on July 7 saying that they’re going to keep the team name. They say it honors a Native American leader who’s been an inspiration for many generations.

“The Chicago Blackhawks name and logo symbolizes an important and historic person, Black Hawk of Illinois’ Sac & Fox nation, whose leadership and life has inspired generations of Native Americans, veterans and the public,” the NHL team said. “We celebrate Black Hawk’s legacy by offering ongoing reverent examples of Native American culture, traditions and contributions, providing a platform for genuine dialogue with local and National Native American groups. As the team’s popularity grew over the past decade, so did that platform and our work with these important organizations.

“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.”

There’s been more pressure towards certain sports teams to change their name in recent days. Those teams being the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians and Washington Redskins. The Kansas City Chiefs, are among one of those teams as well.

There are only two college sports teams that have Native American names in them. Those teams being the Florida State University Seminoles and the University of Utah Utes. Both schools say that they have approval from both tribes to use their name.