Blackhawks officially respond to calls for them to change name and logo

With the NFL's Washington Redskins facing significant public pressure to change their name and logo, the Chicago Blackhawks have decided to get in front of any controversy should people be offended by their name and logo. The team has announced that they will be keeping their name and logo but are committed to "raising the bar even higher" in efforts to increase awareness of Native American culture.

For those who don't know, the team is named for a historic person in Illinois, Black Hawk of the Sac & Fox Nation.

Read below for the full press release announcement from the Blackhawks: 

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 Hawks’ statement 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.

We will continue to serve as stewards of our name and identity and will do so with a commitment to evolve. Our endeavors in this area have been sincere and multifaceted, and the path forward will draw on that experience to grow as an organization and expand our efforts.

You know what? Fair enough. 

The name and logo has a rich history and, to me, it's not offensive in the least. Who am I to tell someone what should or shouldn't offend them though? If leaders from the Sac & Fox Nation or other indigenous groups across North America stepped up to protest the use of the Blackhawks' name and logo, then I might change my opinion. But near as I can tell the only people who seem to be outraged by the Blackhawks' name and logo are corporations and individuals with nothing better to do than pick apart a hockey team's logo.

But hey... that's just me...