Juneteenth Reflection: Five Years of Unwavering Impact and the Path Forward
This Juneteenth 2025, my heart swells with profound gratitude and immense pride, reflecting on the extraordinary journey we've shared over the past five years at Black Players for Change (BPC). This isn't merely a day to commemorate a pivotal moment in history; it's a powerful reminder of the ongoing pursuit of equality and the profound impact we can achieve when united by an unwavering vision of equality and justice.
Five years ago, BPC emerged from a burning desire for justice and a collective strength that dared to challenge the status quo. We channeled our shared experiences into a movement that swiftly became a beacon of hope and a powerful force for equity within the world of soccer and far beyond. From those initial conversations, through countless late-night calls and impassioned debates, we navigated uncharted territory, confronted skepticism, and held steadfast to our vision.
We proved unequivocally that Black players are not just athletes, but formidable leaders, insightful thinkers, and powerful agents of social progress. Our resilience has been our strength, allowing us to break barriers and forge new paths.
In a world that constantly evolves, our commitment to driving positive change has remained unwavering. We've championed Black-Owned Businesses, actively fueling economic empowerment within our communities. Our Juneteenth 2024 campaign reached an astounding 51 million people, amplifying vital messages of history and progress that resonated across the nation. This reach is a testament to our perseverance in ensuring these critical stories are heard.
Beyond national reach, our roots have deepened through our Hometown Heroes initiative, recognizing and supporting the unsung leaders who make our communities thrive. We remain dedicated to Expanding Educational Access, creating crucial pathways for future generations to succeed, for we believe true freedom begins with opportunity.
Our commitment to well-being extends nationally through our Ad Council PSA: Love Your Mind campaign, promoting crucial conversations around mental health and ensuring our community is supported holistically. Internally, we've taken a significant step by implementing a Groundbreaking Anti-Discrimination Policy, fostering more inclusive environments for everyone involved with BPC. These actions embody our dedication to equality on all fronts.
The energy was palpable at the "Empowerment Series" Event in NYC, where we brought communities together to connect and inspire one another. This event underscores our ongoing mission of Building a Bipartisan Bridge to Equality and Transformation, uniting stakeholders across diverse sectors for collective advancement.
We've also been leveraging the power of sport and civic engagement. Our partnerships with Major League Soccer (MLS) and Michelle Obama's 'When We All Vote' initiative have been instrumental in driving civic participation, understanding that our voices are our power. I am personally incredibly proud of my appointment to English Premier League's Brentford FC's Advisory Board, a significant step in elevating diverse voices in sports leadership and a testament to the growing influence of BPC.
In the realm of sports inclusivity, we celebrated a remarkable milestone: Zero MLS On-Field Racial and Discriminatory Incidents. This achievement, alongside our National Coalition of Black Professional Soccer Players Partnership, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting the next generation of athletes. Furthermore, our BPC & San Jose Earthquakes Coaching Diversity Initiative is actively advancing equitable coaching opportunities, ensuring that the path to leadership is open to all. These milestones reflect our collective perseverance in fostering truly inclusive environments.
We are deeply honored to have our work recognized by the US Soccer Federation, who formally honored BPC for Leading the Way in social impact. This validation fuels our drive to do even more.
In April, MLS and BPC officially extended their partnership through the 2028 season, signifying a long-term commitment to our shared goals of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within soccer. This extended partnership allows for more sustained impact and deeper integration of these vital social justice objectives into the fabric of MLS.
In partnership with FC Tulsa and the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, BPC honored the resilience, creativity, and enduring legacy of Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District with Greenwood Night 2025. It is an honor for BPC to celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire and shape generations.
This is just a snapshot of the impactful work happening at BPC, and more is ahead in 2025, including the 4th edition of Hometown Heroes at the 2025 MLS All-Star game in Austin, Texas this summer. We believe in the power of connection and collaboration, and we deeply appreciate your unwavering support and allyship. Our journey of resilience and our pursuit of equality continue.
As we commemorate Juneteenth 2025, let us reflect not only on how far we've come but also on the vital path ahead. The fight for freedom and equality is ongoing, and BPC will continue to embody its spirit, driving progress and fostering a more inclusive world. Together, through our shared perseverance, we are building a lasting legacy for future generations of Black athletes and allies.
With positivity and gratitude,
Allen Hopkins Jr.
Executive Director, Black Players for Change
