Resource

About

Black Players for Change (BPC) is an independent 501(c)(3) organization consisting of over 170+ Black players, coaches and staff of 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 protest to programs, partnerships, and policies that address systemic discrimination.

Solidarity Demonstration

On July 8th, 2020 170+ Major Leagues Soccer players, coaches and staff came together before the start of the #mlsisback tournament to stand together in solidarity in their fight against racial injustices Black Americans face across the states. This demonstration would reverberate throughout global news during the Coronavirus lockdown and inspire other individuals of color and/or African descent to voice their injustices and create unions and organizations around creating a more equitable stake for all.

BPC Origin

June 19th, 2020 Twelve founding Executive Board members along with 65 founding members formally announced the formation of Black Players For Change (BPC) The first Black Player lead organization in soccer history.

Time Line of Key Events

2020

June 19th, 2020 Announcing the first ever Black Coalition of MLS.
PLAYERS COALITION AND BLACK PLAYERS FOR CHANGE ANNOUNCE FORMAL PARTNERSHIP.
BPC Solidarity Demonstration
BPC Partners with US Soccer Foundation and Musco Lighting More Than $1.8 million pledge.
The National Basketball Players Association and BPC Team Up for Joint PSA.
MLS unveils steps to combat racism and increase Black representation Formation of Pitch Black
MLSPA, BBPC and SCORE Announce Partnership.

2021

Black Women’s Player Collective Joins BPC, Adidas, Musco Lighting, and the U.S.S.F. in the Creation of 12 New Mini-Pitches.
MLS Names Sola Winley Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
SCORE announces the Clive Charles Diversity Hiring initiative
June 19th, 2021 BPC, BWPC,Black Players Alliance of the USL and Independent Supporters Council Celebrate 1 Year Anniversary Of Organization and Juneteenth
MLS X BPC Jersey Collaboration
Sean Johnson MLS Cup MVP
MLS announces updates and enhancements to Diversity Hiring Policy

2022

BPC Election of Key Officials
MLS LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL BLACK BANK FOUNDATION
Lauched BPC Action Fund
Freedom To Be Juneteenth
The Cook Out Juneteenth
Fafa Picault Sings Black National Anthem
The All American: The Power of Sports | National Archives

Founding Members

Quincy Amarikwa – Founder & Executive Director

Justin Morrow – Co – Founder & BPC Legacy

Earl Edwards Jr. Co-Founder & President

Jeremy Ebobisse – Co-Founder & Vice President

Founding Members

Sean Johnson – Co-Founder & Director of Operations

Jalil Anibaba – Co-Founder & Treasurer

Ike Opara – Co-Founder & BPC Legacy

Kendall Watson – Co-Founder & BPC Legacy

Founding Members

Kei Kamara – Co-Founder & BPC Legacy

Bill Hamid – Co-Founder

Cj Sapong – Co-Founder

Ray Gaddis – Co-Founder

2023 Board Members

Earl Edwards Jr. – President

Jeremy Ebobisse – Vice President

Drake Callender – Secretary

Jalil Anibaba – Treasurer

Quincy Amarikwa – Executive Director

2023 Board Members

Sean Johnson – Director of Operations

Ray Gaddis – Board Member

Bill Hamid – Board Member

Cj Sapong – Board Member

Jacori Hayes – Board Member

Quincy Amarikwa | Founder & Executive Director

Quincy Amarikwa – Founder & Executive Director

Joined the Executive Board because he was motivated to continue to invest his time in collaboration with his peers of Black professionals to make a meaningful impact. He was originally brought on to help lead in the building of the organization’s culture, structure & SOP’s as the interim Executive Director. His role has since shifted to focus on the development of strategic partnerships and fundraising for the organization’s mission and initiatives. As well as an advisory role to all Executive Board members.

Earl Edwards Jr. | Co-Founder & President

Earl Edwards Jr. – President

Joined the executive board to help lead black players in the fight against systemic racism. Leads conversations with the MLSPA, and contributes to negotiations regarding partnerships and funding.

Jeremy Ebobisse | Co-Founder & Vice President

Jeremy Ebobisse – Vice President

Joined the BPC to help highlight and collaborate with existing nonprofits in leading institutions to overhaul their outdated, inequitable practices in our communities. To bridge a gap in understanding between club staff and Black players. He fosters dialogue and educative initiatives, in order to allow Black players to be expressive while also being recognized for the full potential of their character, beyond simply their athletic ability.

Sean Johnson | Co-Founder & Board Member

Sean Johnson – Co-Founder & Board Member

Joined the executive board to help create and establish a sustainable organization that amplifies our black voices to bring about real change. As a board member, I will bring my experiences through life and the years I’ve spent in MLS and use them to continue moving our organization in the right direction.

Luke Fedlam – Legal Affairs,began working with BPC in 2020
Rodney Knox, Public Relations, began working with BPC in 2020
Sirena Amarikwa, Director or Brand, Digital Media, began working with BPC in 2020

Contact Information

General Outreach contact@blackplayersforchange.org

President, Earl Edwards Jr. eedwards@blackplayersforchange.org

Vice President, Jeremy Ebobisse jebobisse@blackplayersforchange.org

Executive Director, Quincy Amarikwa qamarikwa@blackplayersforchange.org

Public Relations, Rodney Knox rknox@blackplayersforchange.org

Director of Brand and Digital Strategy, Sirena Amarikwa sirena@blackplayersforchange.org