The Big Ten conference continues to bring attention to recognizing and eliminating racism and hate.
The ‘United As One’ is part of several conference-wide Equality Coalition initiatives. The ‘United As One’ concept was created by Big Ten Conference Associate Director of Branding Chris Althoff.
“All things are possible in the Big Ten when we unite as one,” said Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren.
The Big Ten conference opens it football season this weekend.
Wisconsin v. Illinois [BTN] – Badger student-athletes debut the special edition patch of the university crest logo – featuring a black “W” as a sign of support – on all UW Athletic Department uniforms, while University of Illinois student-athletes will show their support for Black Lives Matter with helmet stickers and markings of ‘Equality,’ ‘Together,’ ‘I Fight Against Racism,’ and ‘United.”
Minnesota v. Michigan [ABC \ ESPN Game Day] – In Minnesota, student-athletes will encourage others to ‘End Racism’ through jersey back nameplates and promotion of H.E.R.E/Helping End Racism with Education. Michigan student-athletes will adorn their helmets with the message ‘Equality’ and multi-colored fists. Both schools are planning robust social and online campaigns to generate additional awareness.
Michigan State v. Rutgers [BTN] – The helmets of Michigan State football players will feature ‘Black Lives Matter’ stickers. The Rutgers football players will be wearing “Chop 4 Change” on the back of their helmets.
Ohio State v. Nebraska [FOX] – Ohio State football players will wear back of helmet stickers that state ‘Equality’ and debut a specially designed pre-game t-shirt as an additional show of support. Stickers on Cornhuskers helmets will generate awareness for social justice issues by paying tribute to George Flippin, the first African American football player for the University of Nebraska.
Indiana v. Penn State [FS1] – Socially distanced spectators at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington will hear the “Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” statement during pre-game activities. A campaign logo, designed by IU Athletics staff in consultation with student-athletes, arranged the words peace, love, human rights, justice, equality, compassion, together, understanding, united, empathy, and power into a raised fist icon. The logo will be featured on jersey patches and helmet stickers. Nittany Lions student-athletes will wear pre-game t-shirts, uniform patches and helmet stickers featuring hands clasped in union and an outline of the state of Pennsylvania.
Purdue v. Iowa [BTN] – Boilermakers will be raising awareness of social justice throughout the season with a variety of activities. Iowa student-athletes plan to promote equality and equity with custom stickers and social media engagement.
Northwestern v. Maryland [BTN] – Northwestern student-athletes will wear pregame t-shirts emblazoned with a fist icon and the message: “True change will only come once everyone in this country feels the same outrage as black people.” Maryland has personalized the message by replacing the ‘O’ in ‘ONE TERP’ with a raised fist. Further, the ideals of empathy, unity, respect, equality, justice and the phrases “End Racism” and “In Solidarity” will be shared via nameplate messages and field markings.
