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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
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. – 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 – 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
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.
Ray Gaddis – Co-Founder & Board Member
Joined the BPC to empower former, present, and future black players on pressing matters affecting the black community. He plays a key role in planning initiatives and forging strategic partnerships.
Team
- 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
BPC Member Business
Bill Hamid
HAMID GOALKEEPER CLUB
Kofi Sarkodie
Ninety+
Darnell King /James Musa
Phx soccer camps
Bill Hamid
HAMID GOALKEEPER CLUB
Kofi Sarkodie
Ninety+
Darnell King /James Musa
Phx soccer camps
Quincy Amarikwa
Perfect Soccer
Juan Sebastian Agudelo
Tesho Akindale
Real Estate
DJ Taylor
Venci
Sebastian Elney
Serendipity Studio
Warren Creavalle
Creavalle
Michael Azira
Azira Michael Youth Foundation
Kei Kamara
Heart Shaped Hands
Quincy Amarikwa
Leverage Investment
Quincy Amarikwa
EvolveNFTs Web3 Locker Room
CJ Sapong
The Sacred Seeds
Quincy Amarikwa
#AmarikwaAcres
Ashtone Morgan
Sonndr Cafe
Sebastian Igbeagha