A group of males vandalized a sculpture outside the United Center early Monday morning, according to Chicago police.
The incident occurred in the 1900 block of West Madison Street about 1:30 a.m., said police spokeswoman Kellie Bartoli. Four white males in black clothing were seen walking up to a statue outside the stadium and covering it with graffiti and red paint, according to police. The offenders fled northbound. No one is in custody at this time.
The vandalism occurred as many celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day, a day meant to reframe Columbus Day and honor Native American history and culture.
The statue vandalized was the sculpture commemorating the Blackhawks’ 75th anniversary season in 2000, said Adam Rogowin, a spokesman for the Blackhawks. It is currently under a tarp for protection and will be sent off to be repaired in the near future, he said.
The Blackhawks name, logo and imagery, which Native American advocates have challenged for decades, have come under increased scrutiny because of actions by other sports teams, such as the NFL’s Washington Football Team, which dropped the Redskins name in July and Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Indians, which is reviewing possibly changing its name.
The Blackhawks, who are named after Sac and Fox Nation warrior Black Hawk, issued a statement in July addressing their stance on changing the name.
“The Chicago Blackhawks name and logo symbolizes an important and historic person, Black Hawk of Illinois’ Sac & Fox Nation, whose leadership and life has inspired generations of Native Americans, veterans and the public,” the statement in part read. “We recognize there is a fine line between respect and disrespect, and we commend other teams for their willingness to engage in that conversation. Moving forward, we are committed to raising the bar even higher to expand awareness of Black Hawk and the important contributions of all Native American people.”
Chicago Tribune’s Phil Thompson contributed.
