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The High-A Spokane Indians will pay tribute to local civil rights activist and champion boxer Carl Maxey with an alternate brand called the “King Carl Campaign.” Maxey, who passed away in 1997, was the first African American to graduate from Gonzaga Law School and worked to integrate schools in Spokane, Washington. He earned the nickname “King Carl” for his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, and his reputation for being a brilliant legal mind who tackled controversial cases, represented conscientious objectors, and championed social justice.
The concept for the King Carl Campaign came from the late Sandy Williams, who founded the Carl Maxey Center, a Black-led and Black-centered non-profit cultural center, as well as The Black Lens, an independent community publication focused on the Black community.
“We are thrilled to introduce the King Carl Campaign as a tribute to a true Spokane icon and advocate for equality,” said Spokane Indians Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “This campaign is not only a celebration of Carl Maxey’s contributions to Spokane, but also a call to action for our community to come together and foster a more inclusive and equitable future.”
The brand, created by the prolific San Diego-based design firm Brandiose, were unveiled exclusively yesterday in The Black Lens. The logo features a boxing glove, emblematic of Maxey’s boxing career—he won the national NCAA light heavyweight boxing championship in 1950. The glove is positioned in a clenched fist, a nod to the iconic clenched fist of the Civil Rights movement.
A crown atop the glove represents Maxey’s nickname, with crown points set in the green, yellow, and red of Black History Month. A tassel hanging from the crown is a tribute to Maxey’s educational achievements. A couple of Easter eggs in the logo include baseball stitches and a feather taken from the Spokane Indians’ primary logo incorporated into the glove, and the laces of the glove forming Maxey’s initials, CM.
In crafting the campaign, the team collaborated closely with the Carl Maxey Center, The Black Lens, and Spokane NAACP. The campaign is endorsed by leaders in the Black community, including The Black Lens editor Natasha Hill, Spokane NAACP President Lisa Gardner, and City Council President Betsy Wilkerson.
“Carl’s tireless efforts in advancing civil rights left an indelible mark on the Spokane community,” said Carl’s grandson Morgan Maxey. “We are excited to work with the Spokane Indians on this new campaign to honor his legacy, and are reminded that the fight for equality never ends.”
The uniforms will make their on-field debut April 19, Jackie Robinson’s birthday, and will also be worn on in celebration of Juneteenth, Wednesday, June 19.
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