Latest news with #KeithDawkins
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Harlem Globetrotters celebrating nearly 100 years of basketball
The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are officially counting down to their 100th anniversary with the unveiling of a striking new Centennial logo, symbolizing their rich legacy of sports, entertainment, and cultural impact. Designed by the award-winning Matt Lehman Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, the new logo was crafted to reflect the Globetrotters' historic roots while projecting a bold, unified vision for the future. The design will serve as the creative cornerstone of the Globetrotters' Centennial celebration, set for 2026. "We wanted to find the balance of past, present, and future in a fresh new look that was both unique and exciting, whilst paying homage to the many men and women players that have honored us as Globetrotters," said Keith Dawkins, President of the Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios. "This mark will connect all of the consumer touchpoints centered around our 100-year anniversary plans." The new Centennial logo features key elements that pay tribute to the Globetrotters' legacy: Red, white, and blue color scheme, echoing the team's signature basketball and stars representing the original five Globetrotters: Walter "Toots" Wright, Byron "Fat" Long, Willis "Kid" Oliver, Andy Washington, and Al "Runt" "1926" and "2026" prominently displayed to signify the founding and the upcoming anniversary.A 3D-style block font, inspired by lettering used in vintage game programs, a beloved collectible among Globetrotter iconic red, white, and blue ball featured at the center, symbolizing the enduring connection between past, present, and future. As the team celebrates its 100th year, the Harlem Globetrotters continue to honor and elevate talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)-a tradition woven into the franchise's long-standing mission. Several current Globetrotters hail from HBCU programs: Prince Moss, a standout from Grambling State UniversityAngelo Sharpless, who starred at Elizabeth City State UniversityCrash McClure, formerly of Albany State University In addition to today's players, HBCUs have played a role in shaping some of the franchise's most beloved legends. Among them was the iconic Fred "Curly" Neal, a former All-CIAA player at Johnson C. Smith University, who enjoyed a long and celebrated career with the Globetrotters, dazzling fans with his unmatched ball-handling skills and warm charisma. The Harlem Globetrotters plan to roll out a full slate of commemorative activities leading into 2026. These include: Strategic partnerships and brand collaborationsLimited-edition Centennial memorabiliaExclusive media content and storytellingSpecial live events and community engagement programs Fans worldwide can expect announcements in the coming weeks as the team builds excitement for its once-in-a-century milestone. The post Harlem Globetrotters celebrating nearly 100 years of basketball appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Wire
The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters Unveil New Logo for Historic 100th Season
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leaders in breaking barriers and making history for almost 100 years, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters ™ today announced its official countdown by unveiling their 100th Centennial brand logo. The Globetrotter logo, designed by Matt Lehman Studio of Nashville, Tennessee, will serve as a key creative link for the organization as the full plans for the Centennial take place. 'We wanted to find the balance of past, present, and future in a fresh new look that was both unique and exciting, whilst paying homage to the many men and women players that have honored us as Globetrotters. We believe this Centennial logo delivers on all fronts,' said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. 'This mark will connect all of the consumer touchpoints centered around our 100 year anniversary plans. It's a unifying principle that helps to bring this historic moment to life.' The new logo proudly displays the organization's signature red, white and blue color scheme, with five stars, symbolizing the original five members of the Globetrotters, who were Walter 'Toots' Wright, Byron 'Fat' Long, Willis 'Kid' Oliver, Andy Washington, and Al 'Runt' Pullins. The dates for when the team was founded in Illinois in 1926 and next year's official anniversary, 2026, are also on display. The organization's iconic red, white and blue ball sits in the middle of the logo, serving as a link to past, present, and future. The block letters used throughout the logo, which has a 3D component to it as well, symbolize the lettering from some of the organization's early game programs, which were, and continue to be, high quality memorabilia for fans of all ages. Additional details on partnerships, special event, commemorative memorabilia, media activity and other elements of The Centennial will be announced in the coming weeks. ABOUT THE WORLD-FAMOUS HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS™ / HERSCHEND ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS The Harlem Globetrotters™ are THE originators of basketball style; captured by their dynamic athleticism, unique skill and historical influence on the modern game of basketball. Since 1926, the Globetrotters, proud members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, have used their legendary global tour to showcase their iconic brand of basketball to tens of millions in over 124 countries and territories across six continents. They have expanded the brand by coming back to network television for the first time in 40 years with their Emmy nominated NBC series 'Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward' which also airs on Telemundo as 'Harlem Globetrotters: Ganando Con La Comunidad.' Content partners include Hidden Pictures, Atmosphere TV, and Hearts Media Production Group; consumer partnerships include, Sprayground, Undercrwn, Macys, Hybrid; and additional partnerships include our official tour partner Jersey Mikes, official ball partner, Spalding, Viral Nation, Hoopculture, and Citi. Coined by the U.S. State Department in 1951 as Ambassadors of Goodwill, the team leverages their moniker to drive its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts around their strategic pillars of Health & Wellness, Education, and Community Empowerment. These efforts have yielded partnership with the likes of Microsoft, U.S. State Department Sports Diplomacy, The National Archives, 'Great Assist' in partnership with Jersey Mike's Subs, Campus Multimedia Court of Creativity, and Comic Relief Red Nose Day. For more information about the Harlem Globetrotters™ and the Tour, visit the Globetrotters' official website: The Harlem Globetrotters™ is a subsidiary of Herschend, the largest family-owned themed attractions company. ABOUT MATT LEHMAN STUDIO Matt Lehman began his career in 2001 at Anderson Design Group in Nashville. It was there that he once laid out packaging for a cassette. In 2007, he joined CMT / MTV Networks focusing on show identities and the network rebrand in 2009. During his tenure there, he worked on the visuals for a NASCAR DVD and two Toby Keith movies. He has skeletons in his closet just like everyone else. In 2010 he formed Matt Lehman Studio working for brands such as ESPN, Delta, PepsiCo, The Atlantic, Esquire, Nickelodeon and NASA to name a few.
