Q: What’s wrong with the current team branding and identity?

A: Our dad let us stay up late to watch Sid Bream’s slide in the 1992 NLCS, and we were chopping along with thousands of others. And while we’ll never forget those experiences, those memories are tinged with some sadness as we reflect on how others might have been affected. As we encourage a new generation of Atlanta baseball fans, we want them to be able to support a team that everyone can be proud of. Many Native Americans object to the stereotypical branding that teams like Atlanta use, and other teams have realized it’s time to make a change. Baseball is supposed to unite fans around the love of the game; until Atlanta makes a change, our team will be making headlines for all the wrong reasons. 

Q: OK, so why “Bravest”? Why firefighters?

A: Atlanta is "America's Team" and it needs a name that all Americans can stand behind! What could be better than one that honors the heroes who keep us all safe?

In addition, firefighters and fire are an important testament to the strength of Atlanta’s community. In 1864, General Sherman gave the order to burn nearly 40 percent of the city during his “March to the Sea.” Atlanta recovered and rebuilt. Fifty years later, the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917 displaced 10,000 people and caused an estimated $100 million in damage. The city recovered and rebuilt again, earning the right to proudly emblazon a phoenix that adorns our city seal. Like our home team, firefighters represent Atlanta’s determination, grit, and ability to overcome whatever stands in our way.

Q: My Native American friend said “Braves” isn’t even that bad. Why are we going out of our way to be politically correct?

A: No group in the world has members who all think the same way (that’s sort of what the United States was founded on), and that’s okay! But the fact that your friend feels that way doesn’t change the fact that a large chunk of Atlanta fans don’t support the name. When teams like Atlanta and the Kansas City Chiefs ban their fans from dressing in stereotypical Native American regalia, or avoid the tomahawk chop when opposing players identify their Native American descent, they are admitting that they know there’s a problem. Fans should get to be fans—if the dressing as the mascot is a problem, the fans aren’t doing something wrong; the team is.

Atlanta could follow Cleveland and Washington’s lead and erase this problem with a very simple update that helps fans rally around firefighters.

If you’re really interested in reading about the history of Native American iconography in sports, there are a ton of Native American voices out there talking about this. Here’s one place to start.

Q: What about the team’s traditions—the logo, the chants, the gear?

A: One of the cool things about “Bravest” is that it bridges the team's past with its future. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Colors: They stay the same! Red, white, and blue are pretty spot-on for firefighters.

Logo: The tomahawk, designed to convey strength, gets replaced with a firefighter’s axe—similar style but new message and new meaning.

Tomahawk chop and cheer: This one just has to go. Fortunately, there are so many options to replace it with something that references the powerful work firefighters do every day. Send us your ideas!

Gear: A perfect mix of old and new. The lettering stays the same (just add that extra t) but think of the opportunities: helmets, sirens, hoses that drench the other team…there’s so much to work with.

Q: Have you talked to any Native Americans about this idea? 

A: Sure have! As mentioned above, Native Americans are not a monolith, and undoubtedly there will be valid arguments for and against Bravest. We welcome dialogue with all fans about Atlanta's future. Please be in touch via email or social media if you'd like to share ideas.

Q: You’ve convinced me. How can I show my support for the Bravest?

A: You can start by following Bravest ATL on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can buy our gear (all proceeds will go toward giving free game tickets to firefighters and First Responders) and wear it proudly. You can spread the word among family, friends, and social media, and help us keep this conversation going. If you have a great idea for our movement or would like to work with us, get in touch today!