From Juneteenth to Austin: Black Players for Change elevates voices, vision
From the solemn remembrance of Juneteenth to the vibrant energy of the upcoming MLS All-Star Week, Black Players for Change (BPC) is weaving a powerful narrative of empowerment and community. Five years after its inception, the organization continues to champion Black voices and vision, transforming its partnership with Major League Soccer into tangible, systemic change for marginalized communities.
This sustained effort was solidified in April when BPC and MLS extended their partnership through 2028, a testament to a shared, long-term commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity in the sport. Here’s a look at how this collaboration is creating a meaningful impact from coast to coast.
How BPC, MLS supporters’ unified voices for Juneteenth 2025
During Juneteenth 2025, Black Players for Change embraced an “All. Black. Everything.” fan-centric, unifying message to signal the freedom and empowerment of Black people in America while celebrating the coalition’s milestone fifth anniversary. San Jose Earthquakes supporters’ group, The Faultline, and Portland Timbers supporters’ group, Timbers Army, released “All. Black. Everything.” Juneteenth content in solidarity with BPC to celebrate the holiday.
Chicago House AC’s Nico Williams drops the equal sign cell as a symbol of solidarity, echoing the message from BPC.
Black organization that created Hometown Heroes video
Now, BPC is turning its sights to the 2025 MLS All-Star Week in Austin, serving as an anchor for this year’s Hometown Heroes class, celebrating Black stakeholders in soccer, while imparting thanksgiving and recognition to the communities and creators who partner in the fight to bridge the racial equity gap in soccer.
Valerie, a Black and women-owned creative agency and consultancy founded in New York City, created the 2025 Hometown Heroes announcement video. Pitch Black MLS, the league’s official employee resource group for Black employees, identified the organization as a contributor for this year’s Hometown Heroes Showcase.
The agency is rewriting the rules of engagement for its clients and partners, according to hivalerie.com. The agency is led by head of culture Kai Deveraux Lawson, head of creative Simeon Coker and head of strategy Tracey Busch.
How BPC partnering with MLS, RBC illuminates 2025 Hometown Heroes
The 2025 Hometown Heroes program is another rendition of thoughtful collaboration between BPC leadership, BPC members, Major League Soccer and RBC Wealth Management.
In total, four Hometown Heroes were selected June 23 for their work representing nonprofit organizations demonstrating cutting-edge and innovative methods to serving locally underserved and underrepresented communities throughout Austin and will be recognized July 21 at the Hometown Heroes Showcase.
BPC member Mark-Anthony Kaye, a midfielder for the San Jose Earthquakes, played part as a Hometown Heroes selection committee member. Each Hometown Hero will be awarded a $15,000 grant to advance their organizations’ respective missions.
The fourth class of heroes includes:
Fidel Campuzano Gonzalez, Co-Executive Director of Austin Youth River Watch
LaKissa Bright, Founder and Executive Director of Ladders for Leaders
Gabriela Kane Guardia, Executive Director of Latinatas
Bill Wallace, Founder and Executive Director of the Tomorrow’s Promise Foundation
Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver will serve as the official ambassador for the 2025 Hometown Heroes series.
BPC’s proud partnership with RBC Wealth Management manifests itself in the RBC House MLS All-Star Week kickoff event on July 21 at Antone’s in downtown Austin, celebrating Black excellence, community wellness and music culture.
Austin FC’s VP of Community Impact has local roots beyond MLS
Austin FC vice president of community Trennis Jones was not only instrumental in identifying the 2025 Hometown Heroes class but has also established relationships with Huston-Tillotson University – a Historically Black College and University – for youth development and programing, 100 Black Men of Austin, the Greater Austin YMCA and others in his native town.
Jones and a roster of Austin FC front office and supporters recently participated in the 2025 Central Texas Juneteenth Parade and Festival, led by the Greater East Austin Youth Association.
BPC celebrates Greenwood Night 2025
BPC partnered with FC Tulsa, Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, Greenwood Rising and Tulsa community leaders including Mayor Monroe Nichols, Tulsa’s first Black mayor, to celebrate Greenwood Night 2025 on May 31 at ONEOK Field, where FC Tulsa hosted Birmingham Legion FC.
Notably, FC Tulsa released a limited edition Greenwood-themed jersey titled “Through the Fire” that embodies rebirth, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Black Wall Street, according to Tulsa-based designer Trey Thaxton.
BPC partnership with Intentionalist heads to Austin
Since February 2024, BPC has an ongoing strategic partnership with Intentionalist, an online guide organization that works to foster intentional spending in support of small businesses and diverse local communities.
This partnership directs resources and visibility to Black-owned enterprises in MLS markets and beyond. BPC leadership made it a point to visit local Black-owned businesses like Creole 2 Geaux in Columbus during the 2024 MLS All-Star Week and plans to support Black business in Austin.
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.
