BPC to Feature Prominent Panel at 2024 Equity in Sport Leadership Conference
[Boston, Massachusetts] – [April 18, 2024] – Black Players for Change (BPC), a leading advocate for racial equality and social justice within soccer, is honored to announce its participation in the prestigious 2024 Equity in Sport Leadership Conference. The conference hosted by UMASS Boston Sport Leadership and Administration program and the New Balance Institute for Innovative Leadership in Sport (I2LS), slated to take place on April 22nd, will bring together students and sport enthusiasts to engage in critical discussions about historical, current, and future ways in which sport can advance equity, innovation, and transformational change both locally and globally.
One of the conference's highly anticipated panels is a keynote featuring Major League Soccer greats and founding BPC members Justin Morrow, Jalil Anibaba, and Ray Gaddis. These distinguished athletes and activists and advocates will share their insights and experiences on leveraging the power of sport to drive positive societal change.
Allen Hopkins Jr., Executive Director of Black Players for Change, expressed his enthusiasm for the organization's participation in the conference: "At Black Players for Change, we are deeply committed to using our platform to effect meaningful change both on and off the field. The Equity in Sport Leadership Conference provides an invaluable opportunity to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, and inspire action towards advancing equity and inclusion in the world of sports."
Dr. Joseph N. Cooper, Dr. J. Keith Motley Endowed Chair of Sport Leadership and Administration and Founding Executive Director of the I2LS, shared his excitement for the BPC keynote panel as well: “Our program and institute were founded in the core values of equity and social justice, diversity and inclusion, integrity, and holistic development. To have the founding members of BPC participate in our 3rd annual Equity in Sport Leadership conference reflects our mutual commitment to fostering positive social change through sport. We are excited to honor and learn from their courage, leadership, and vision for improving MLS and soccer across all levels.”
The panel discussion featuring Justin Morrow, Jalil Anibaba, and Ray Gaddis promises to offer invaluable perspectives on the role of athletes in driving social change, as well as practical strategies for fostering inclusivity and diversity within the sports industry.
The 2024 Equity in Sport Leadership Conference serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and transformation within the realm of sports. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the conference aims to catalyze meaningful progress towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
You can register for the conference HERE. And for more information about the Institute for Innovative Leadership in Sport (I2LS) endowed by New Balance, please visit.
About Black Players for Change (BPC):
Black Players for Change (BPC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization consisting of Black players, coaches and staff from Major League Soccer, 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 protest to programs, partnerships, and policies that address systemic discrimination.
Media Contact:
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