In Celebration Of Hispanic Heritage Month, Oakland Roots have revealed their limited edition 24/25 third shirt from CHARLY, which sees a unique skeletal graphic on the front and a roots graphic on the rear, both symbolising the deep connection the club has to the local community.
Celebrating “Dia de Muertos” through the roots of Oakland and its mosaic culture, the Oakland Roots third jersey's intricate skeletal design from CHARLY instantly stands out as a unique interpretation of the club’s connection to local culture. The skeleton is a significant symbol within Latin American culture, representing connections to ancestors, and here it’s represented through an anatomically correctly positioned graphic on the front, presented in a kaleidoscope of mosaic colours, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of the club’s shared roots.
Those shared roots, a core element of the club’s DNA, are then represented on the rear of the shirt, where that skeletal graphic gives way to the roots of a great tree, which spreads out across the shoulders and down the back.
The kit has been launched in collaboration with Los Rakas, a Grammy Award-nominated bilingual hip-hop group based in Oakland, consisting of Panamanian cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun. Los Rakas, known for their unique blend of hip-hop and Latin rhythms, have a deep connection to Oakland’s cultural landscape. “We’ve always embraced our Panamanian heritage while representing the diverse cultures of Oakland,” said Los Rakas. “Working with Oakland Roots and CHARLY on this project is an honour. This jersey isn’t just something you wear, it’s a piece of Oakland’s soul. It’s inside of you.”
“Oakland is more than a city of great culture - we create global movements,” said Taulib Ikharo, the Creative Consultant for the collaboration. “This collaboration with Los Rakas and CHARLY for the Latin Heritage Night goes beyond the game of soccer. It’s a celebration of our collective roots and the cultures that shape Oakland's identity. As the Roots prepare to step onto the field at the Oakland Coliseum, it felt right to honor the traditions of the past while looking forward to a future defined by inclusion, pride, and creativity.”
“Every time we work on a new kit design with Oakland Roots SC, we strive to express the club's roots that are closely tied with this fanbase,” said CHARLY Sports Marketing Manager Jesús Salazar. “We believe this third kit accomplished just that; it captures Oakland’s roots and reflects the deep passion for Hispanic Heritage.”
The Oakland Roots third kit will debut on ‘Conoce Tus Raíces’ Night on Sunday, 29 September, and limited quantities of the jersey will be available at the merch booth during the game.
