Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Logos
The Shaw Bears logo uses a distinctive palette of black, maroon, gray, and gold to represent the athletic teams of Shaw University, a historically Black university in Raleigh, North Carolina, and co-founder of the CIAA conference that hosts college basketball’s third most-attended tournament.
The Bears have won 60 CIAA championships across multiple sports, establishing Shaw as a powerhouse in Division II athletics while maintaining the university’s historic mission of educating African American students since its 1865 founding.
Meaning and Symbolism
- The black and maroon create a sophisticated, traditional athletic identity with historical weight
- Gold accents represent achievement, excellence, and the championship legacy across six decades of CIAA competition
- The color palette distinguishes Shaw from competitors while maintaining classic athletic aesthetics
- The maroon provides a distinctive signature color that differentiates Shaw Bears merchandise and uniforms
- The combination of colors works across all 14 varsity sports from football to bowling
History and Evolution
Shaw University, founded in 1865, is one of America’s historically Black colleges and universities, playing a foundational role in African American higher education. The athletic program operates as a member and co-founder of the NCAA Division II Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, which hosts the CIAA Basketball Tournament, one of college basketball’s premier events. The Bears have claimed championships across men’s and women’s basketball, football, tennis, and volleyball, including historic achievements like winning basketball and football titles in the same year.
The football program, reestablished in 2002 under President Clarence G. Newsome, won CIAA championships in 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2010, reaching the Division II playoffs in 2007 and 2010. The women’s basketball program achieved particular dominance, winning back-to-back CIAA Tournament championships twice, from 2003-2006 and 2011-2014, culminating in the NCAA Division II National Championship for the 2011-2012 season. In 2011, Shaw became the first school since Norfolk State in 1975 to win the CIAA’s big three championships in football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball in the same academic year.
Shaw’s athletic success occurs within the context of the CIAA’s significance in African American sports culture. The annual CIAA Basketball Tournament in Charlotte attracts massive crowds and serves as a cultural celebration beyond sports, connecting alumni, students, and fans across the Southeast. Shaw’s 60 total CIAA championships across various sports establish the Bears as one of the conference’s most successful athletic programs.
Typography and Design
The Shaw Bears wordmark typically employs bold, athletic lettering with strong weight and proportions that communicate power and competitive intensity. The typography balances traditional collegiate aesthetics with contemporary clarity, ensuring legibility across uniforms, arena signage, and digital applications. The letterforms may feature subtle serifs or customized terminals that add distinctive character while maintaining the readability essential for team identification during competition.
The multicolor palette allows for versatile uniform combinations and special occasion designs across 14 varsity sports. The maroon and gold combination creates strong contrast for visibility while the black and gray provide neutral foundation colors that anchor the identity system. This flexibility supports different uniform traditions across sports, from football’s emphasis on intimidation to tennis and golf’s need for classic elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conference do the Shaw Bears compete in? Shaw University is a founding member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), which hosts the third most-attended basketball tournament in college athletics after the ACC and Big East.
How many CIAA championships have the Shaw Bears won? The Bears have won 60 total CIAA championships across men’s and women’s basketball, football, tennis, and volleyball, establishing Shaw as one of the conference’s most successful athletic programs.
What is Shaw University’s most significant athletic achievement? Shaw’s women’s basketball team won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2011-2012, and in 2011 the university won CIAA championships in football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball in the same year, a feat not accomplished since Norfolk State in 1975.
