17616: NFL Questions DHS X’s & O’s…?

ESPN reported the NFL requested the Department of Homeland Security take down a social media post likening former Philadelphia Eagles star Brian Dawkins’ punishing hits to ICE’s treatment of migrants.

Political organizations skirt around copyright and usage restrictions, leaving cease-and-desist requests and no-affiliation statements among the few viable responses.

Yet the scenario appears as if DHS and ICE are being positioned as proud partners of the NFL—or the NFL is a proud partner of DHS and ICE.

So, a penalty flag is arguably in order—although President Donald J. Trump would undoubtedly challenge the call.

NFL asks DHS to take down Brian Dawkins social media video

By Robert Klemko

The NFL asked the Department of Homeland Security to remove a social media post likening former Philadelphia Eagles star Brian Dawkins’ greatest hits to immigration agents’ treatment of migrants.

DHS published the X post in question Sunday evening in response to another account’s report that a “huge migrant caravan” was approaching the United States’ southern border.

“Our time has come,” the agency wrote, adding a video of Dawkins’ most violent on-field collisions.

Dawkins, in a text, told ESPN he had not given the agency his blessing to post the video but declined to comment further.

“I have very respectfully not given permission,” the Hall of Fame safety wrote.

The NFL said it requested the video’s removal, though it remained up as of noon ET Monday.

In March, the White House posted video interspersing NFL and NCAA football highlight hits with video of airstrikes on Iranian targets, days after U.S. forces destroyed an elementary school in southern Iran, killing more than 100 children, according to Amnesty International. The NFL declined to say whether it had requested the removal of that video.

That video also remains on the social media site.

Dawkins, one of the most physical defensive backs of his era, retired in 2012 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

17215: Happy… Monday.

 

As widely reported, President Donald J. Trump dumped Indigenous Peoples’ Day, only releasing a proclamation that October 13, 2025, be celebrated as Columbus Day.

 

It’s a wonder Trump didn’t demand the Washington Commanders revert their name to the Washington Redskins for today’s Monday Night Football game.

 

Chief Zee is spinning in his grave for sure.

16971: BHM 2025—studioID.

From studioID…

 

4 Institutions Standing Up for Black History Month 2025

 

By Anastasia Dyakovskaya

 

2025 has barely begun but already we’re seeing a cultural shift in how organizations are approaching diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) — especially now that it’s Black History Month. What was once considered standard corporate responsibility is now a polarizing battleground, with some companies doubling down on their commitments while others quietly scale back. 

 

In light of rulings against affirmative action and political pressure on brands that champion DEI initiatives, it’s clear that supporting Black communities in 2025 means going beyond celebration and standing on the side of what’s right. 

 

In this climate, meaningful Black History Month campaigns aren’t just about acknowledgment — they’re about action. 

 

This year’s best initiatives shun performative allyship and offer real community impact, education, and advocacy. Read on to see how four leading brands, sports teams, and even cities prove that honoring Black history isn’t a trend; it’s a civil responsibility.

 

Apple: Unity Rhythm

 

Campaign Details

 

Apple continues its tradition of commemorating Black History Month with the 2025 Black Unity Collection, a special-edition product line celebrating Black culture and community. Designed by Black creatives and allies at Apple, “Unity Rhythm” combines the colors of the Pan-African flag to create a vibrant Black Unity Sport Loop for the Apple Watch, as well as exclusive watch faces and iPhone wallpapers that make the campaign accessible to a wider audience.

 

Why It’s Best-in-Class

 

Beyond the product launch, the company also upholds a “longstanding commitment to advancing economic, educational, and creative opportunities in communities…[by] supporting several global organizations whose work focuses on elements of rhythm, creativity, and community.” These include music and cultural grants to arts foundations across the United States and around the world, among them Nashville’s National Museum of African American Music and The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in New Orleans. 

 

Most notable, however, is the fact that Apple’s shareholders flat-out rejected the proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research to cease their DEI efforts. Their response? “We believe that how we conduct ourselves is as critical to Apple’s success as making the best products in the world. We seek to conduct business ethically, honestly, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations…and

we strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.”

Kansas City Chiefs: Heart of the Kingdom

 

Campaign Details

 

Earlier this month, the Kansas City Chiefs launched a campaign to celebrate and uplift Black women who have had a profound impact on the lives of the football team’s players, coaches, and staff. Through a series of short documentary-style videos, “Heart of the Kingdom” highlights the mothers, mentors, and trailblazers who helped shape the journeys of those within the NFL league. 

 

“This Black History and Women’s History Month initiative honors those who uplift, guide, inspire, and shape the journeys of our players, coaches, and staff — both on and off the field,” says Lara Krug, the team’s Chief Media and Marketing Officer. “By celebrating their impact, we pay tribute to their legacy and inspire future generations to break barriers and make history.”

 

Why It’s Best-in-Class

 

Instead of generic messaging, the Chiefs went for a deeply personal and community-centered approach to shine a spotlight on real individuals whose contributions often go unrecognized. And with ongoing initiatives like Inspire Change, City Year Kansas City, and Kingdom United — a youth-focused education program designed to fight systemic racism — they create real impact well beyond February.

 

Public Broadcast Service (PBS): Block Party 2025

 

Campaign Details

 

As schools across the country face increasing restrictions on how Black history is taught, PBS and PBS KIDS are stepping in to ensure these important stories will still be told. With new and classic documentaries, films, and special episodes, this year’s Black History Month lineup features a steady stream of video content that explores various aspects of Black heritage, culture, and achievements.

 

“PBS is proud to celebrate Black history and heritage in February and beyond, and we’re especially excited about the stories that we’ll bring to life with the new slate in 2025,” said Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager of General Audience Programming at PBS. “Legacy is such a powerful force in storytelling, and it naturally shines through our content in a way that we hope helps foster connection and invites everyone to learn from and engage with one another on a deeper level.”

 

Why It’s Best-in-Class

 

With state governments banning books, rewriting curriculum, and restricting DEI programs, PBS’s commitment to historical accuracy and meaningful programming is more critical than ever. But the nonprofit also offers a wealth of other resources that ensure Black history isn’t just remembered but actively expanded. 

 

PBS’s commitment to educational content also takes center stage with expansive resources for parents and classroom teachers as well as other learning tools and an array of children’s programming — all centered on sharing the African American experience and the ongoing impact of Black history with audiences everywhere. 

 

 

The City of Baltimore: Definitely Earned It

 

Campaign Details

 

As diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts face political and legal challenges, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott launched the clever “Definitely Earned It” campaign as a direct response to those questioning the legitimacy of Black excellence. Daily Instagram posts throughout February will uplift and celebrate Black people from Baltimore and beyond who have, in Scott’s words, “definitely earned their place in Black history.” 

 

“We have to be bigger and Blacker and louder than ever.” — Mayor Brandon Scott

 

The initiative emphasizes the significance of Black contributions across industries — particularly in fields where Black professionals have historically faced systemic barriers. Why? To “show people what it truly means when you have to work 10 times as hard,” Scott says, “when you have to work through systems that were built up for you to fail, when you have to make sure that you leave the door open for other folks coming behind you.” Why? Because there’s always more to the story.

 

Why It’s Best-in-Class

 

While some institutions have shied away from conversations about race and DEI, Baltimore’s leadership is leaning in, making a strong and unapologetic statement in support of Black communities. “Definitely Earns It” goes beyond celebration to challenge the current political climate, making it one of the most standout Black History Month initiatives of 2025. And by directly addressing the false narratives that seek to undermine Black achievements, the city sets a precedent for how other institutions can defend DEI in meaningful and impactful ways. 

16952: Super Bowl Advertising Exclusivity Is GOAT.

 

Advertising Age published a super lengthy report on Super Bowl advertising and declared, “Super Bowl LIX advertisers appear to be dialing back efforts around diversity and inclusion.”

 

Reflecting Adland’s diminishing DEIBA+ dedication, most brands asked to participate in Ad Age’s survey declined—only 14 of 58 brands with in-game commercials responded. And many respondents delivered performative PR versus specific data.

 

In short, racial, ethnic, generational, and gender identity representation across all angles—concept, casting, directing, execution, etc.—sucked.

 

This is not news; but rather, an annual event—staged during Black History Month to boot.

 

For Adland, systemic racism is an unbeatable, unchallenged, undisputed dynasty.

16945: The End Of ‘End Racism’ In End Zones…?

 

NBC News reported the NFL will delete ‘End Racism’ from the end zones for the Super Bowl.

 

It’s unclear if the end zones edit was made to appease President Donald J. Trump—scheduled to attend the game—who has expressed his disdain for all DEIBA+ initiatives.

 

Somebody should invite Colin Kaepernick to take a knee during the opening ceremonies.

 

NFL will remove ‘End Racism’ from the end zones ahead of Super Bowl

 

The announcement comes the same day a White House official told NBC News that President Donald Trump would be attending the game.

 

By Kyla Guilfoil

 

The NFL will remove the words “End Racism” from the end zones at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl on Sunday, the NFL confirmed to NBC News.

 

Instead, the field will have stencils of the phrase “Choose Love” as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement Tuesday.

 

Throughout the 2024-25 season, NFL teams have advertised pro-diversity slogans at their stadiums and on their uniforms. The field stencils have been a part of the league since 2020, McCarthy said.

 

“Teams have used on the field this year ‘Vote,’ ‘End Racism,’ ‘Stop Hate,’ and ‘Choose Love.’ This is part of the NFL’s Inspire Change,” he said.

 

At their conference championship games on Jan. 26, the Chiefs had “Choose Love” in their end zone and the Eagles had “End Racism.”

 

The NFL said Tuesday that it would have stenciling only of the phrase “Choose Love.” Sunday’s game will be the first Super Bowl since February 2021 at which “End Racism” will not be in an end zone stencil.

 

“The Super Bowl is often a snapshot in time and the NFL is in a unique position to capture and lift the imagination of the country,” McCarthy said.

 

He said the phrase is most fitting because of tragedies the country has endured in recent weeks.

 

“‘Choose Love’ is appropriate to use as our country has endured in recent weeks wild fires in southern California, the terrorist attack here in New Orleans, the plane and helicopter crash near our nation’s capital and the plane crash in Philadelphia,” McCarthy said.

 

The statement comes the same day a White House official told NBC News that President Donald Trump will attend the Super Bowl.

 

The Secret Service said in a statement that “extensive planning and coordination have been in place to ensure the safety of all attendees, players, and staff,” with security measures having been “further enhanced this year, given that this will be the first time a sitting President of the United States will attend the event.”

 

“The U.S. Secret Service has been on the ground for days, working in close collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, as well as the NFL, to implement a comprehensive security plan,” said Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service’s communications chief.

 

Trump has made his stance against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives clear since he took, signing an executive order on his first day in office to end DEI programs in federal agencies and putting employees in those programs on leave.

 

After the deadly midair collision of an American Airlines plane and Army Black Hawk helicopter in the Washington, D.C., area last week — which McCarthy cited as one of the tragedies inspiring the “Choose Love” slogan — Trump again took aim at DEI, implying diversity policies were at fault for the disaster.

 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said at a news conference Monday that he does not think the league’s policies to promote diversity conflict with Trump’s push to eliminate DEI programs.

 

“Our policies have been designed to be well within the law, well within the practice,” Goodell said. “There are no quotas in our system. This is about opening that funnel and bringing the best talent into the NFL.”

 

He added that the NFL’s policies are consistent “with the current administration, as well as the last administration.”

 

“We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League, and we’re going to continue those efforts because we’ve not only convinced ourselves, I think we’ve proven ourselves, that it does make the NFL better,” Goodell said.  

16923: Delayed WTF 63—Washington NFL Team Rumored Reverting To Redskins.

 

MultiCultClassics is often occupied with real work. As a result, a handful of events occur without the expected blog commentary. This limited series—Delayed WTF—seeks to make belated amends for the absence of malice.

 

In December 2024, Newsweek reported the Washington Commanders are considering changing the team’s name back to the Washington Redskins.

 

If it comes to fruition, expect a celebratory breakfast with Aunt Jemima pancakes and Rastus-rebranded Cream of Wheat—in addition to plenty of Land O’Lakes butter featuring the Native American maiden mascot.

 

MultiCultClassics recommends team officials halt any renaming announcements for the time being, as the Commanders’ playoff progress could be thwarted by Offensive Karma.

 

Indeed, the team’s decisively dominating win over the Detroit Lions proves the revised name re-energized the franchise—along with new ownership including NBA Legend Magic Johnson. Spirited players—led by breakthrough Quarterback Jayden Daniels—have established the Commanders as championship contenders.

 

Cultural competence and diversity lead to victory.

 

Washington Commanders Rumored to Change Their Name Back to Redskins

 

The NFL’s Redskins became the Washington Football Team in 2020, then the Commanders in 2022, but the team may return to the identity it previously held for 87 years.

 

Commanders owner Josh Harris has expressed support for a name reversal since he took over the team last year. Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell visited Capitol Hill on Monday to lobby for a bill that would help revitalize Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. A senior Senate staffer told Newsweek that U.S. Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota was among the lawmakers who met with Harris and Goodell.

 

Newsweek reached out to the NFL and Harris’ representatives for comment Tuesday morning.

 

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources recently passed the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, which would transfer the land with the former stadium and its vicinity to the D.C. government for up to 99 years. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for a full vote.

 

There is no guarantee that the Commanders would build their next stadium at the site, but it’s possible that the football team returns to its home from 1961 to 1996.

 

A name reversal would be “a win against this woke mindset / sensitivity we’ve seen the last couple of years,” conservative influencer Amir Odom told Newsweek.

 

“Why are we politicizing sports team names?” he asked. “There’s more to worry about in this country than grown men fondling balls on a field and what name we refer to them as.”

 

“Let’s let this be a cultural and community thing. It’s one thing for politicians to share their opinion but to get this involved is a bit much.”

 

Is the Redskins Name Coming Back?

 

Harris, who bought the football team from longtime owner Dan Snyder last year for $6.05 billion, had previously said the old Redskins name, originating in 1933, would not return.

 

But Harris’ group includes NBA legend Magic Johnson, who told NBC News otherwise.

 

“Everything’s on the table, especially after this year,” Johnson told journalist Craig Melvin last year. “We’ll see where we are with the name.”

 

Some fans have even urged President-elect Donald Trump to change the team’s name back when he returns to office.

 

Do Native Americans Want the Redskins Name Back?

 

In September, ML Football, the credentialed media for everything football related, announced that the family of the Blackfeet chief featured in the logo wants the team to change its name back to Redskins.

 

“90 percent of Native Americans supported the Redskins name,” the post reads.

 

“People are fed up with everything being offensive,” Odom said. “If they change the name back it’s definitely a cultural win for keeping things how they are no matter the origin since context has changed. I feel like this could be a nod to keeping historic statues up despite the origins.”

 

Why Did the Washington Redskins Change Their Name?

 

“Redskin” is sometimes used as a discriminatory slang term against Indigenous people in the United States.

 

Amid the Black Lives Matter protests that followed the death of George Floyd, Snyder faced growing pressure from sponsors, including Nike, FedEx and PepsiCo, to change the team’s name. The league and team announced in July 2020 that it was “undergoing a thorough review of the team name.”

 

Snyder had insisted for over two decades, however, that he was not going to abandon the Redskins name, even as Indigenous advocacy groups fought to get rid of it. In 2020, more than a dozen tribal leaders and organizations sent a letter to Goodell calling for the league to force Snyder into changing the team’s name.

 

Criticism surrounding the name started in the 1960s and gained larger public traction in the 1990s. The team rebranded itself as the Washington Football Team in 2020 before becoming the Commanders in 2022.

 

But another name change could hurt the team, Jim Rocco, author of the coming book, Sports Crisis Communications: Cases & Controversies, told Newsweek.

 

“It’s always bad for a sports brand to sway this way and that in the face of changing political winds. You tend to make your fans dizzy,” he said. “In this case, the idea is actually a little crazy. What’s going to happen if the Democrats retake control of Congress? Will they change the name again?”

 

David Aaker, known as the “father of modern branding,” agreed that the team is in “a lose-lose situation.”

 

“Whatever route will upset some people and cause their support of the team to be reduced and that will not be offset by those that ‘won,’” Aaker told Newsweek. “If the name change is made I would not make a big deal out of it.”

 

Will the Original Redskins Logo Be Used?

 

Republican U.S. Senator Steve Daines of Montana previously threatened to block legislation pertaining to the RFK stadium site until the NFL and Commanders agreed to honor the old Redskins logo.

 

In a letter to Fox 5 WTTG, Daines said that the former logo, which depicted Blackfeet Chief Two Guns White Calf, acted as “a symbol of pride, strength and honor” and that it should not be censored.

 

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which Daines leads, approved legislation last week that would fund revitalization of the D.C. football stadium site.

 

Who Is the Face of the Original Redskins Logo?

 

Daines told Newsweek he is now in favor of the bill because the Indigenous family credited with designing the original logo is now satisfied with the team’s efforts to honor Walter “Blackie” Wetzel’s work. There seems to be “good faith negotiations” with the league around the old logo. It is expected to be included on alumni shirts for those who played while sporting the Redskins logo.

 

“My goal has always been to support the Wetzel family and tribal stakeholders in their goal to bring the iconic Blackfeet logo back to a place of prominence,” Daines told Newsweek. “Native Americans in Montana have diverse views on the Redskins nickname but they overwhelmingly agree that the Blackfeet logo is a symbol of pride, strength and honor. I’ve insisted that the NFL, Commanders and their corporate sponsors celebrate it, not censor it.”

 

A Commanders team spokesperson on Monday told Newsweek that there are no plans to bring the logo back. It was developed in 1971 by Wetzel, a former leader of Blackfeet Nation. The Redskins image is a composite of Native American photographs, including one featuring a Blackfeet chief.

16873: Overreaction Of The Week.

MediaPost spotlighted a new campaign—#TimeOut Against Hate—designed to combat antisemitism and other forms of hate.

 

The messages involve multiple sports leagues—including the NFL, WNBA, NBA, MLB, MLS, NWSL, NHL, and NASCAR—turning competitive timeouts into national calls against hate.

 

Um, how come Colin Kaepernick taking a knee to call out racial injustice stirred outrage—but this stunt is okay?

 

Robert Kraft’s Antisemitism Group Unveils #TimeOut Against Hate Campaign

 

By Steve McClellan

 

Earlier this year Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) aired an ad in the Super Bowl featuring civil rights leader Clarence B. Jones. The theme of the ad was that the silence of those who know better allows hate to foster and spread.  

 

Now the group has formed an alliance with multiple sports leagues and some well-known coaches, players and personalities – including NFL head coaches Andy Reid and Jim Harbaugh and former NBA great Shaquille O’Neal – for a new campaign that will air during pro and college sports games and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade over the Thanksgiving holiday break and beyond.

 

The new campaign is called #TimeOut Against Hate, aimed at turning the frequently called for pause in sports contests into a national call against hate. 

 

The new ad spot and campaign is the first of its kind in uniting major sports leagues, their commissioners, and star athletes and managers to champion the fight against hate.    

 

The campaign is from WPP’s VML and stemmed from a closed-door meeting with Kraft and major sports commissioners earlier this year as an opportunity for each league and its teams to take a larger, active role in propelling the fight against antisemitism and other forms of hate. Participating leagues in the NFL, WNBA, NBA, MLB, MLS, NWSL, NHL and NASCAR.

 

WPP’s Mindshare is the media partner for this campaign, with media activations including:   

 

# Real-time timeout ads – dynamic streaming placements that are triggered in real-time by timeouts in NFL and college games. When someone calls a timeout in select games, the 30-second spot then starts playing in streaming. These dynamic insertion placements will be in rotation across NFL and NCAA games through December.     

 

# Content partnerships – with content creators and media voices such as three of iHeart’s top sports podcasters (LaVar Arrington, Doug Gottlieb, and Julian Edelman), as well as @dudewithsign on Instagram; the iHeart activations were launched in mid- November.    

 

# Live sports broadcast coverage – the 30-second spot has started playing in various games and leagues across Amazon Prime, ESPN, Fox, NBC, ABC, and will continue over the next few months.

16483: Bud Light Takes A Performative Pass.

 

The new Bud Light commercial starring Peyton Manning and Emmitt Smith—created by White advertising agency Anomaly—should be flagged for offensive violations.

 

Blatantly attempting to recover from its monumental branding fumble, InBev shows the NFL Hall of Famers visiting a good-old-boys bar in frat-boy style, hurling cans of Bud Light with macho splendor.

 

InBev’s continued denial of the not-so-well-received diversity drop displays a lack of integrity and accountability. And the contrived commercial reflects corporate cowardice.

 

Seems like the global beer company missed another opportunity to demonstrate authentic support for diverse audiences. Below is a concept to consider.

 

Just a thought.