Black Players for Change: A Bipartisan Bridge to Equality and Transformation
Black Players for Change (BPC) made significant strides in a advocacy efforts during their visit to Washington D.C. on September 26-27. Executive Director Allen Hopkins Jr. along with Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, spearheaded the meetings with key congressional staff members from both the Democratic and Republican parties in both the House of Representatives and Senate.
In all, BPC had 12 extremely productive meetings in only two days on the Hill. This bipartisan approach and engagement demonstrates BPC's capacity for and commitment to building bridges and finding common ground for the betterment of Black athletes and their communities.
Key Takeaways from the Visit:
Bipartisan Engagement: By engaging with staff from both sides of the aisle, BPC showcased its dedication to transcending political divides and fostering collaboration on critical issues. This approach is crucial for achieving meaningful and lasting change.
Positive Reception: Congressional staff warmly welcomed the BPC Executive Director , expressing enthusiasm and a willingness to partner with the organization. This positive reception highlights the growing recognition of BPC's influence and the importance of the issues the organization champions.
Focus on Wellness and Physical Activity: A key focus of the meetings was to address the disparity in access to wellness resources and physical activity opportunities in Black and Brown communities. This issue resonated strongly signaling a shared desire for change and the potential for legislative support and action.
Momentum for Legislative Action: The meetings generated genuine interest in developing and pursuing legislative initiatives that directly address the needs of Black athletes and their communities. This signifies a tangible step towards translating advocacy into concrete policy changes.
Standing Room Only: BPC’s agenda was full, to say the least, as the BPC Executive Director met with both Democratic and Republican leaders and elected officials in both the House and Senate.
Senators included: Cory Booker, Ted Cruz, Dick Durbin, Kirsten Gillibrand, Marco Rubio, Thom Tillis & Raphael Warnock.
Representatives included: Jim Costa, Valerie Foushee, Wesley Hunt, David Scott & Todd Young.
Looking Ahead:
This successful visit has laid a strong foundation for BPC's continued advocacy work. By nurturing the relationships the organization has established and by leveraging the bipartisan support it has garnered, BPC is well-positioned to advance its legislative agenda and affect real change.
A Word from the Executive Director:
"We are incredibly encouraged by the positive reception and willingness to collaborate that we experienced during our meetings. This bipartisan support reinforces our belief that we can work together to create a more equitable and inclusive future for Black athletes and communities."
– Allen Hopkins Jr., Executive Director of Black Players for Change
BPC's commitment to bipartisan engagement serves as a powerful example of how to effectively navigate the political landscape and drive progress on critical social issues. Their recent visit to Capitol Hill marks a significant milestone in the organization’s journey towards achieving meaningful change.
