The Memphis Grizzlies have unveiled its jerseys for the NBA's 2017 Martin Luther King Day commemoration and the design makes subtle but poignant reference's to the civil rights hero's assassination.
Martin Luther King Day occurs during the NBA season, and the league has honored both the day and the man in January games for decades. Since King was assassinated in Memphis, it makes sense that the Memphis Grizzlies would make a special effort to honor him, and this year's jerseys do a great job of that.
Rather than obliquely referencing civil rights as a whole, the Grizzlies' jerseys make overt references to the Lorraine Motel, the location where King was shot. A logo at the neck of the jersey references the wreath permanently on display at the Lorraine, and the jerseys' teal and white piping are the colors of the motel.
What's Driving This Trend
- Memorial Jerseys
- Designing commemorative jerseys with overt references to historical events could evoke meaningful sentiment among fans and drive sales for sports merchandise.
- Historical References
- Including well-known historical references on products could help brands stand out and create a deeper connection with consumers.
- Cultural Recognition
- Acknowledging cultural or historical events could be a way for companies to show support for important social causes and create a positive brand image.
Who This Affects Most
- Sports Merchandise
- Introducing limited edition, commemorative sports merchandise could increase sales and engagement among fans.
- Fashion
- Fashion brands could incorporate historical and cultural references into designs to tap into consumer sentiment and create unique pieces that stand out in the market.
- Tourism
- In locations with significant historical or cultural events, tourism companies could create experiences that pay tribute to these events to attract visitors and increase revenue.
