The Idaho Stampede play the Rio Grande Valley Vipers this Saturday night at 9 EST. The Stampede will rock one-of-a-kind gear for the game, paying special tribute to influential African Americans from throughout history.
All of the threads were designed by Patrick Hunter. Hunter is a native of Detroit. At halftime, he’ll paint an Alvin Ailey inspired piece, in collaboration with the Idaho Dance Theater.
Here’s more from the Stampede:
During the game, Idaho will honor the late NBA player Earl Lloyd, the first African-American to play in an NBA basketball game. He would later become the first African-American to win an NBA Championship for the Syracuse Nationals (now known as the Philadelphia 76ers). There will be a special presentation during the game to honor Lloyd, and his son will be in attendance.
Including Lloyd, other influential figures on the Stampede’s jersey will be Maya Angelou, George Washington Carver, Ray Charles, Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, President Barack Obama, Jackie Robinson and Harriet Tubman. All of Hunter’s original artwork featured on the jerseys will be on display at the game.
All jerseys and shooting shirts will be available for fans to bid on through an online auction. The auction is live now at www.idahostampede.afrogs.org and all proceeds will benefit the Idaho Black History Museum.
