The MLB franchise released a statement on Friday, saying the team is “committed to engaging our community and the appropriate stakeholders to determine the best way forward regarding our team’s name.”
The Indians removed the “Chief Wahoo” logo from their uniforms after the 2018 season ended.
“We are committed to making a positive impact in our community and assuming our responsibility to advance social justice and equality. Our organization fully recognizes that the name of our team is one of the most visible ways in which we connect with the community. .
“We have had ongoing organizational discussions on these issues. The recent social unrest in our community and in our country has only underlined the need for us to continue to improve as an organization on social justice issues.
“With that in mind, we are committed to engaging our community and appropriate stakeholders to determine the best path to follow regarding our team name.
“While the focus of the baseball world shifts to the excitement of an unprecedented 2020 season, we recognize our unique place in the community and are committed to listening, learning, and acting in the way that can best unite and inspire our city and everyone. those who support our team. “
The Atlanta Braves say the franchise ‘honors, supports, and values the Native American community.’
On Friday, before Cleveland released its statement, CNN had contacted the Indians and the Atlanta Braves regarding their franchise names. The Braves did not address a name change in their response.
“The Atlanta Braves honor, support and value the Native American community,” the statement said. “That will never change.
“The Atlanta Braves’ relationship with the Native American community dates back many years, and in recent months, we have created an even stronger bond with various Native American tribes, both regionally and nationally, on matters related to the culture of the Braves and the Native Americans.
“We have also held meetings with our Native American Task Force that will collaborate with us on cultural issues, education, and community outreach to amplify their voices and show our fans that they are still proud here.
“The Atlanta Braves have a significant commitment to honor the Native American community and we are excited to work together to ensure this happens.
“We have a lot of work to do on and off the field, but the Atlanta Braves are ready to meet the challenge of these times.”
Upon receiving this statement, CNN followed up with the Braves to try to clarify if the team has no plans at this time to change the name but did not receive a response.
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