The Grizzlies, in collaboration with the National Civil Rights Museum, unveiled the team’s “MLK 50” attire Wednesday at the historic Lorraine Motel.
The sleek new design is part of the upcoming of remembrance of the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis.
The @memgrizz #MLK50Pride uniform’s use of iconic imagery,color & design will bring greater awareness to @NCRMuseum https://t.co/k11QYm1VSG
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) September 15, 2016
The Grizz will rock the jerseys on January 15 against the visiting Chicago Bulls.
Per the Commercial Appeal:
Just before 7 p.m., Vince Carter stepped to the stage and unveiled the newest Grizzlies uniform. It is a somber black, both understated and respectful. The typeface of the word “Memphis” derives from the historic sign at the Lorraine Motel. The uniform piping replicates the railing and balconies of the motel. The sea foam color that accents the uniform is the same color as the doors of rooms 306 and 307, where Martin Luther King Jr. spent his final moments.
And then there is the wreath. Right in the center of the uniform. It represents the wreath that hangs from the balcony at our most tragic and challenging civic landmark and symbolizes the hard work that remains to be done.
Wednesday’s uniform unveiling was the climax of a “bridge of opportunity” discussion hosted by the Grizzlies at the National Civil Rights Museum. It came in the wake of the decision by the NBA to move the Grizzlies off the MLK Day schedule and instead give them a nationally televised game on Sunday, Jan. 15. That decision enraged a lot of Memphians. Even on MLK Day, the league seemed less concerned with appropriateness and decency than TV ratings and cash.
