The Washington Capitals are marking Black History Month with a significant tribute by revealing their third Black History specialty jersey since 2024. This unveiling took place before their final game during the NHL’s Olympic break, reinforcing the team’s ongoing commitment to honoring Black culture and history through their apparel.
The 2025-26 jersey was designed by Bailiwick Clothing, a Washington, D.C.-based brand known for creating locally influenced, high-quality apparel. Breaking away from previous all-black sweaters featuring the Capitals’ wordmark, the new design spotlights the Screaming Eagle logo prominently on a red background, reflecting deep cultural symbolism.
Symbolism in the Screaming Eagle Logo and Jersey Details
The standout Screaming Eagle crest on the jersey is detailed with colors meaningful to Black History Month. The eagle’s eyes, beak, and tongue feature red, green, and yellow hues, while gold accents honor African royalty, elevating the cultural significance of the design.
Left Shoulder Patch Honors Black Players in Capitals History
Adorning the left shoulder is a black and grey patch displaying the ALL CAPS tagline alongside the Weagle logo. The ALL CAPS letters exhibit a gradient that celebrates a spectrum of skin tones, symbolizing diversity. Encircling the patch are the surnames of 12 Black players and alumni who have contributed to Capitals history, including Mike Marson, Bill Riley, Reggie Savage, Anson Carter, Jason Doig, Mike Grier, Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre, Donald Brashear, Joel Ward, Madison Bowey, Devante Smith-Pelly, and Justin Sourdif.
Right Shoulder Patch Reflects the Capital’s Legacy and Ambitions
The right shoulder patch commemorates the Capitals’ 51st franchise season while subtly nodding to the political movement advocating for Washington, D.C. to become the 51st state. This design element is inspired by vintage Go-Go posters from the city, tying the jersey to local cultural heritage and progressive aspirations.
Captain Designations and Sleeve Numbers Feature Cultural Motifs
The captain (C) and alternate captain (A) letters, along with sleeve numbers, are embellished with 12 small stripes and patterned in red, green, and yellow. This detail simultaneously honors the 12 Black players and alumni included on the left shoulder patch and pays tribute to the Pan-African flag colors associated with Black History Month.
Players’ Back Numbers Commemorate Historic Local Landmarks
The numbers on the back of the jersey display a diagonal pattern inspired by Boundary Stones, which mirror the diamond-shape geometry of Washington, D.C. These stones hold historical importance as some of the oldest federally placed monuments in the United States. They were originally laid out by Benjamin Banneker, a celebrated Black astronomer who assisted in plotting D.C. in 1792, linking the jersey’s design to a profound local and African American heritage.
Spotlight on Justin Sourdif
Forward Justin Sourdif receives special acknowledgment in discussions of the jersey, highlighting his role and presence in modeling the design with pride and distinction.
Background on Bailiwick Clothing, the Jersey Designer
Bailiwick Clothing was founded by brothers JC and Jeff Smith, who draw inspiration from Washington, D.C.’s vibrant culture and spirit. The brand creates apparel focused on reflecting local pride and narratives from the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia) area. Operating as an online-only store with local pop-up events, Bailiwick emphasizes storytelling centered on the city’s people and places.
Jersey Auction to Benefit Community Programs
The Capitals will auction off the new jerseys, each signed by players on the 2025-26 roster, through the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. The proceeds will support the Capitals’ Capital Impact Fund, aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in hockey through local nonprofit assistance and funding programs like the Rising Stars Academy. Additional items up for auction include Black History Month commemorative pucks and youth hockey jerseys signed by players from the January Youth Hockey Day. The auction is ongoing now and will close on February 28 at 3 p.m.
Last season’s Celebrating Black History Auction raised $53,245 for the Capital Impact Fund. The Capitals and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation created the Capital Impact Fund in 2020 to provide financial support to local nonprofit organizations dedicated to further advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in hockey, along with funding the Rising Stars Academy. The fund aims to help minority youth players reach their greatest potential and create more equal playing fields for all.
— Washington Capitals
Rising Stars Academy Clinic Brings Elite Young Players Together
On February 21, at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, the Capitals’ Youth Hockey Development program will host a Rising Stars Academy clinic for select elite high-school athletes. Participants will engage in on-ice skill-building exercises and off-ice sessions, joined by Capitals players, all wearing the new Celebrating Black History specialty jerseys. The clinic is led by Bryan King, the Rising Stars lead instructor, alongside other Academy coaches. Launching in 2023, the Rising Stars Academy is designed as a co-ed development and mentorship program supporting young hockey players of color. It focuses not only on athletic skills but also mental resilience and social discussions surrounding hockey culture. The program is funded fully by the Capital Impact Fund and offered to participants free of charge.
Celebration Night to Honor Black Achievement in Hockey
The Capitals will observe Celebrating Black History Night on February 27 during their game against the Vegas Golden Knights. This evening will showcase achievements within Black hockey history and emphasize the organization’s efforts to expand the sport’s reach and impact. Every attendee will receive a Capitals tote bag courtesy of Giant, while the event will feature the debut of “District Dozen,” a new remix of the original “Caps 11” song by Emmy Award-winning artist Saukrates. The track pays tribute to Black players and alumni in Capitals history, supported by an on-ice projection and accompanying music video.
Permanent Exhibition Highlights Capitals’ Black Hockey Legacy
At Capital One Arena, fans can visit the Black Hockey History Display on the main concourse near section 112. Introduced in February 2022, this permanent exhibit honors the team’s Black players and alumni, featuring key memorabilia such as a 1975-76 jersey worn by Mike Marson, a game-used stick from Joel Ward, and a helmet worn by Devante Smith-Pelly. The display also includes a jersey that promotes Players Against Hate from the 2021 Black History Night auction, a timeline chronicling important moments and players in Capitals history, and an interactive QR code linking visitors to additional online content about the Capitals’ diversity initiatives and community partnerships.
New Apparel Releases Available at the Capitals Team Store
More 🔥 from @BailiwickCrewDC just dropped!
Check out the #BlackHistoryMonth hat and hoodie at the @CapitalOneArena Team Store tonight.#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/OnNEThFySm
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 5, 2026
Beginning mid-February, fans can purchase a Capitals Celebrating Black History crew neck, along with a matching hat and hoodie featuring the Screaming Eagle design, at the Capital One Arena Team Store. These items extend the jersey’s message of pride and cultural celebration to fans in a wearable, casual format.
Capitals Black Hockey Microsite Offers Comprehensive Resources
The Capitals maintain a dedicated Black Hockey microsite that provides detailed information on team-specific and broader league initiatives supporting diversity. The site features biographies of Black athletes connected to the organization, highlights youth programs across the region, and offers resource materials centered on black hockey history and community engagement. This digital platform serves as an educational tool and source of ongoing community connection.
More 🔥 from @BailiwickCrewDC just dropped!
Check out the #BlackHistoryMonth hat and hoodie at the @CapitalOneArena Team Store tonight.#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/OnNEThFySm
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 5, 2026
