University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Athletics unveils Equality Patch
Dec 04, 2020 | General
MEMPHIS — The University of Memphis athletics department unveiled its UMADE Equality Patch, which will be worn on the jerseys of Tiger teams during competition.
The patch was designed and created by Memphis Athletics' UMADE leadership group. Led by Marlon Dechausay, associate athletics director for Student-Athlete Welfare, UMADE, which stands for University of Memphis Athletics for Diversity & Equality, was created to focus on issues and projects relating to the stewardship of diversity, inclusion and equality within department operations.
"We are proud that our student-athletes will be wearing the UMADE Equality Patch," said Laird Veatch, Memphis director of athletics. "The UMADE group engaged constituents throughout campus and our department in order to gain different perspectives. Ultimately, the logo was selected by our student-athletes. We are excited to support them and other efforts as we bring attention to inequality in our country."
The patch is designed to be "uniquely Memphis." It features the words "Dignity" and "Respect," paying homage to the plea from the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his final speech delivered in Memphis prior to his assassination at the Lorraine Hotel. The logo also includes eight stars representing the 'Memphis State 8,' the first African American students to take classes at the University in 1959. The hands represent the athletic department's commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion for all its student-athletes, coaches and staff.
"The patch encompasses the spirit of Memphis and its Civil Rights history," added Veatch. "We hope all Memphians will join us as we look to fight inequality and injustice."
"We're proud of the patch's significance and the symbolic nature of all aspects of its design," said Dechausay. "We're excited for what this patch represents, not only for this year, but for years to come."
Apparel featuring the patch will soon be available for sale in the Tiger Bookstore. A portion of the proceeds will support the UMADE initiative at Memphis Athletics. This initiative is one of several diversity and inclusion efforts that the UMADE leadership group is currently developing.
The UMADE video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/X1CKybRQQS4.
