BLACK OUT STORIES | Mark Anthony-Kaye

In reflecting my 2020 experience. I was reminded of how important we are as black athletes to use our influence to inspire real and meaningful change. This is the jersey I was going to wear the day we decided as players to boycott our league’s games. I love how this jersey is now blacked out, because that was a day of empowerment for the black players within the league. While also being a show of unity amongst our entire player pool. We wanted to use the opportunity to continue the ever important conversation about racial and social injustice. Never did I think that I would be part of something like that, but it was needed. I’m truly honored and proud to have taken part in such an historic moment. Now that moment is forever encompassed in this jersey. Hopefully we can look back in the future to see it be one of the many catalysts for change within our league, our country and around the world. 

The location I chose to take these photos is the Banc of California Stadium. These photos represent dreams. Dreams of those before me. Dreams of those who are with me. As well as dreams of those in the next generation. A big stadium seems like an intimidating place, but seeing it empty you remember that is just another soccer pitch. Remove the noise, the supporters, the boo’s and the cheers…what do you have left? Just a man standing in front of you, who when he was a little boy dreamt big. Dreamt of making it to the big stage and now dreams of making real change. That’s all it is, a stadium, just another opportunity where someone’s dream can come true. That power is within us all. If we harness it we can continue making changes that will set a new foundation for how this world can be. A better, more caring and equal world. That’s my dream. So cherish this jersey, and I hope it gives you the same will, power and strength, it gave me to stand tall in this continued fight for equality.