On February 2, 2022, the professional Washington Football team changed its name to Commanders. The new name has nothing to do with Native American names or imagery. Victory has been achieved. This victory took decades. Native American advocates including Suzan Harjo and Amanda Blackhorse worked tirelessly for this day. Rebrand Racist Mascots (formerly Rebrand Washington Football) was proud to be part of this and to be able to help.
But victory is still a long ways off. There are upwards of 2,000 high schools that need a rebranding. There are well known professional sports teams that still shamelessly brandish Native American stereotypes, damaging Native Americans and non-Natives alike. We hope that the change for the Washington football team creates momentum for change.
Then there is Dan Snyder and the Commanders. The team has a responsibility to help high schools rebrand who were inspired by the team's former name to engage in Native American stereotyping. The team also needs to settle with the countless women employees who suffered sexual harrassment at the team's toxic workplace. We call on the team to engage in sincere restorative justice. Finally, the use of a military name was not our preference considering the history of oppression of communities of color at the hands of the military and the police.
We want to work with other advocates in other cities with teams that need to rebrand. When the Atlanta baseball team, the Kansas City football team and the Chicago hockey team come to town, you may see us outside the stadiums chanting, "Change the name, change the logo, rebrand your team!"
February 2nd was a triumphant day but also a sobering and humbling reminder of all the work that remains. We remain committed to the cause. Thank you.
But victory is still a long ways off. There are upwards of 2,000 high schools that need a rebranding. There are well known professional sports teams that still shamelessly brandish Native American stereotypes, damaging Native Americans and non-Natives alike. We hope that the change for the Washington football team creates momentum for change.
Then there is Dan Snyder and the Commanders. The team has a responsibility to help high schools rebrand who were inspired by the team's former name to engage in Native American stereotyping. The team also needs to settle with the countless women employees who suffered sexual harrassment at the team's toxic workplace. We call on the team to engage in sincere restorative justice. Finally, the use of a military name was not our preference considering the history of oppression of communities of color at the hands of the military and the police.
We want to work with other advocates in other cities with teams that need to rebrand. When the Atlanta baseball team, the Kansas City football team and the Chicago hockey team come to town, you may see us outside the stadiums chanting, "Change the name, change the logo, rebrand your team!"
February 2nd was a triumphant day but also a sobering and humbling reminder of all the work that remains. We remain committed to the cause. Thank you.
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