I AM #19 Archives - 09 Sports

Major League Soccer (MLS) has launched a number of programmes to honour Juneteenth in 2024, working with Adidas and Black Players for Change (BPC).

These programmes seek to commemorate the occasion while elevating Black voices both inside and outside of the sports world.

The Executive Vice President and Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer of MLS, Sola Winley, stressed the significance of Juneteenth as a day to celebrate the human spirit’s potential and resiliency.

He said the Major League Soccer (MLS) is dedicated to coming together to spread the timeless message of freedom and change, with its varied community of players hailing from 79 nations.

Winley thanked adidas and BPC for their contributions to the celebration of diversity’s beauty.

The creation of a limited-edition “I AM #19” pre-match shirt is one of the main objectives. Designed by Todd Stansbury, the licenced sports graphics manager for adidas, this shirt honours all players as change agents and recognises the significance of Juneteenth.

These shirts will be worn by players during pre-match warm-ups for Major League Soccer games from June 15– June 19.

To bring players and spectators together over the continued efforts required to attain racial equality, the design and message have been created.

The “Generations” campaign is being launched by adidas, BPC, and MLS in addition to the pre-match shirts. defender Miles Robinson of the US men’s national team and FC Cincinnati will be featured in the campaign’s first picture session.

Additionally, a little film showcasing the intergenerational relationships within the football community will be released.

The message of the campaign is that football has historically stood for bravery, resiliency, and a path to opportunity and independence.

It will connect academy players with first-team professionals and place an emphasis on empowerment, solidarity, and progress.

Robinson emphasised the significance of acknowledging Black Players for Change’s continuous endeavours to assist the African American community.

He emphasised how MLS, adidas, and BPC use the Juneteenth pre-match tops as a way to honour, celebrate, and spread awareness of African American heritage.

Robinson emphasised that in order for everyone to have a more fair and equitable future, these initiatives are essential first steps.

Wearing the exclusive “I AM #19” pre-match jersey is urged for fans to participate in the festivities. To ensure broad knowledge and participation with Juneteenth, MLS will incorporate instructional content and storytelling across its digital and social media platforms.

The “I AM #19” pre-match tops will be on sale at stadium retail locations and on MLSstore.com, with a part of the proceeds going to organisations and projects that promote social justice and racial equity.

The executive director of Black Players for Change, Allen Hopkins Jr., emphasised the deep significance of Juneteenth in Black history and culture.

The 2024 pre-match tops, according to him, represent BPC’s continuous dedication to respecting the past and motivating the next generation.

These shirts, which were made possible by the partnership between MLS and adidas, are a potent symbol of our common path towards equality and advancement.

They are living examples of equality and interconnectedness, highlighting the power and solidarity of working together to accomplish justice and progress.

All things considered, the Juneteenth 2024 programmes from MLS, BPC, and adidas show a dedication to honouring diversity, advancing equality, and leveraging football as a vehicle for social change.

Source – mlssoccer