MLS Unveils 2023 All-Star Hometown Heroes
NEW YORK, N.Y AND WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 27, 2023) – Major League Soccer, D.C. United, Black Players for Change (BPC) – an independent organization of Black MLS players, coaches, and staff working to bridge the racial equality gap in soccer and society – and RBC Wealth Management announced today the 2023 All-Star Hometown Heroes. This honor recognizes the work of impactful organizations and leaders who are making positive change in the communities of the District of Columbia and that embody D.C. United’s community values of Empowerment, Opportunity, and Service.
Below are the 2023 Hometown Heroes. Each organization will receive a $15,000 grant to elevate their work and community impact.
Latin American Youth Center, Lupi Quinteros-Grady (she/her), President and CEO
Rainbow Families, Darren Paul-Vance (he/him), Executive Director
So Kids Soar (formerly Dreams for Kids), Glenda Fu Smith (she/her), Executive Director
We’re Empowered to Achieve the impossible (WETATi), Dr. Margaret Dureke (she/her), Founder, President and Executive Director
Additionally, Howard University Men’s Soccer Program is being recognized as the Honorary Hero for positively impacting the local community through soccer. The program’s current and past coaches – Phillip Gyau (he/him), Keith Tucker (he/him), and Lincoln Phillips (he/him) – will accept the award on the program’s behalf.
The second annual MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase presented by RBC Wealth Management and in collaboration with BPC and D.C. United, is a private event that will take place on Tuesday, July 18, the day before MLS faces off against Arsenal FC. The event is part of the League, D.C. United, BPC and RBC Wealth Management’s ongoing efforts to amplify and celebrate inclusion and equity.
For more details, including background on the honorees, selection committee and criteria, along with statements, click HERE.
For assets of the 2023 MLS All-Star jersey, click HERE.
As local stars off the field and in the community, the Hometown Heroes sported the 2023 All-Star jerseys at Audi Field, home of the 2023 All-Star game. The jersey design was inspired by the Nation’s Capital’s famous landmarks and the three stars of the District of Columbia’s flag. Jerseys are on sale starting today at MLSstore.com and in D.C. at various All-Star activations.
For additional information on this year’s honorees, visit MLSsoccer.com. Media interested in attending are encouraged to R.S.V.P. by contacting MLS@BerkCommunications.com or Angela.Alfano@MLSoccer.com.
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ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer — celebrating its 28th season in 2023 — features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including a new expansion team in San Diego that will debut in 2025. All MLS, Leagues Cup, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass will feature the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.
ABOUT BLACK PLAYERS FOR CHANGE
Black Players for Change (BPC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization consisting of over 170+ Black players, coaches and staff from MLS, working to bridge the racial equality gap that exists in society. BPC is committed to tackling the racial injustices that have limited Black people from having an equitable stake in the game of soccer and society. Among the many goals, the organization strives to advance the attention on human rights inequalities from protests to programs, partnerships, and policies that address systemic discrimination. For more information visit www.BlackPlayersForChange.org.
ABOUT RBC Wealth Management
In the United States, RBC Wealth Management operates as a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC. Founded in 1909, RBC Wealth Management is a member of the New York Stock Exchange, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, and other major securities exchanges. RBC Wealth Management has $515 billion in total client assets with more than 2,100 financial advisors operating in 186 locations in 42 states.
Media Contacts:
Major League Soccer
Angela Alfano, VP of Communications | Angela.Alfano@MLSsoccer.com
For Black Players for Change
Allen Hopkins Jr.| AHopkinsJr@blackplayersforchange.org
RBC Wealth Management
Megan Boldt | Megan.Boldt@rbc.com
