Major League Soccer is celebrating Black History Month
NEW YORK, NY (Monday, February 1, 2021) – Major League Soccer today announced several programs that will be held in February to celebrate Black History Month. MLS will highlight voices from the black community, continue discussions on systemic racism and injustice, and provide educational resources and programs.
Activities during the month will highlight the League’s continued efforts to promote more inclusive and equitable communities, promote positive social change and end discrimination.
The first edition of the Football for everyone The Speaker Series kicks off in February with black executives who have risen to become leaders in sport. Black Leaders in Soccer presented by MLS WORKS and Pitch BlackThe league’s black resource group explains how to navigate change and create ways to increase black representation across the league. The Football for everyone The Speaker Series will continue throughout 2021, highlighting voices from underrepresented groups. The series will feature a cross-section of leaders discussing topics relevant to different months of commemorative awareness, including Women’s History Month, LGBTQ Pride Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month.
In September 2020, MLS announced a partnership with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW). In addition to a financial commitment, MLS will work with NCBW to develop long-term programs. The focus is on the development of workers and managers as well as health and wellness initiatives. In celebration of Black History Month and as one of the first manifestations of the partnership, NCBW and MLS are holding a virtual seminar for NCBW members and mentees in February to talk about the sport of football and the ways the game can be used as a vehicle for higher education – and achieve career opportunities. The virtual event will introduce former soccer players and highlight possible career paths within the soccer industry.
MLS will also feature a special list of content across all league platforms that captures the spirit of Black History Month, celebrating the black trailblazers and highlighting stories and events that had an impact on football. Pitch Black is also a leader in a variety of in-house educational programs, presentations and engaging content for the league office staff.
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Major League Soccer is headquartered in New York City and has 27 clubs in the US and Canada, as well as future expansion teams in St. Louis, Sacramento, and Charlotte. For more information on MLS, please visit www.MLSsoccer.com.
Major League Soccer is dedicated to solving important social problems and improving the communities in which we live and play our games. With MLS WORKS, the league’s social responsibility platform, Major League Soccer and its clubs want to enrich the lives of those in need in the USA and Canada. To learn more, visit MLSsoccer.com/MLSWORKS and follow @MLSWORKS on Twitter & Instagram.
MEDIA CONTACT:
MLS
Angela Alfano
Sr. Director Corporate Communications
