Albany Pride Parade 2024
Reimagining Albany's most iconic figure, RCA's Nipper, as a modern symbol of safety, visibility, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. This limited-edition merch celebrates both the heritage of our city and the vibrancy of Pride.
01. THE STORY
The Story Behind the Design
Since 1954, the RCA Nipper statue has stood tall over Albany's skyline. Originally a mascot for RCA, Nipper became a cultural landmark — a figure synonymous with "listening to the voice of sound." For the 2024 Albany Pride Parade, we reimagined Nipper as a symbol of listening to every voice — especially those too often silenced.
The merch blends a historic Albany icon with modern Pride symbolism. The front features Nipper raising a rainbow flag over "Albany Pride 2024." The back reimagines the Pledge of Allegiance as a rallying cry for safety and inclusion. Through research, sketches, and community feedback, the design evolved into a powerful visual statement: a loyal underdog standing for visibility, justice, and love.
02. FRONT + BACK
Front Design
Nipper proudly holds the rainbow flag, transforming Albany's historic mascot into a beacon of Pride and unity.
Back Design
A reimagined pledge celebrating joy, visibility, and equality — transforming familiar words into a powerful statement of inclusion.
03. SYMBOLISM
"To see Joy in public, from queer folk in the city under flags and invisible, with liberty and justice for all"
This powerful reimagining of the Pledge of Allegiance transforms familiar words into a declaration of visibility and belonging. Nipper, Albany's faithful listener, becomes a guardian of every voice seeking safety, recognition, and celebration in our community.
04. LOCAL CONTEXT
Albany's Listening Legacy
For 70 years, Nipper has watched over Albany, originally representing RCA's commitment to faithful sound reproduction. Today, we've reimagined this loyal companion as a symbol of faithful allyship — listening to, amplifying, and protecting the voices that need to be heard most.
This design bridges Albany's industrial heritage with its vibrant, inclusive future, proving that our city's most recognizable symbol can evolve to represent progress, acceptance, and unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community.
05. DESIGN PROCESS
From Historic Icon to Pride Symbol
Historical Research
Studying Nipper's legacy and significance to Albany
Initial Sketches
Exploring ways to blend heritage with Pride symbolism
Community Feedback
Gathering input from Albany Pride organizers
Design Refinement
Balancing respect for history with bold activism
Final Production
Ready for Albany Pride Parade 2024
06. SUPPORT
Support Albany Pride 2024
These shirts aren't just merchandise — they're a statement. Wear yours to show solidarity, celebrate visibility, and continue the conversation about safety and equality.
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