Black MLS players come together to form “Black Players Coalition of MLS”

The newly formed “Black Players Coalition of MLS” will “help bridge the racial equality gap” in MLS. 

On Friday, over 70 Black MLS players came together to announce the “Black Players Coalition of MLS.” The new organization, which is a standalone group partnering with the MLSPA and MLS, will work to end racial inequality in the league, supporting anti-racism initiatives and tackling racial justice issues.

“We pledge to help bridge the racial equality gap that exists in our league by lobbying for initiatives like implicit bias training, cultural education courses, and diversification hiring practices,” the announcement said. “Beyond addressing these overlooked systemic issues around soccer in this country, the BPC is committed to tackling racial injustices that have prevented black people from having an equitable stake in society. Among the many goals we will strive to achieve in our black communities, some will include targeted spending, educational advancement initiatives, and mentorship programs.”

The Black Players Coalition includes over 70 Black players. The board members are Ray Gaddis (Philadelphia Union), CJ Sapong (Chicago Fire), Quincy Amarikwa (D.C. United), Kendall Waston (FC Cincinnati), Jeremy Ebobisse (Portland Timbers), Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Earl Edwards Jr. (D.C. United), Jalil Anibaba (Nashville SC), Kei Kamara (Colorado Rapids), and Ike Opara (Minnesota United). Justin Morrow (Toronto FC) is the executive director.

Juneteenth: The significance of announcing the “Black Players Coalition of MLS” now. 

The announcement comes on Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the end of slavery. Juneteenth does not mark the day that slavery ended, but is the anniversary of the day that the last slaves in Texas learned of their freedom in 1865.

“As we celebrate Juneteenth and the coming together of our coalition, we must remind ourselves that such progressivism was once met with vehement backlash,” the announcement stated. “May this reminder serve as a warning to us all that confronting systemic racism head-on will never be smooth, constantly upward trending path, but rather a timeless battle that will force us to reinvent the very essence of our institutions. We hope our organization can be an extension of our ancestors’ sacrifice for the next generation to live in a more equitable society as we seek to forge our own path forward under one united voice.”