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New York City Football Club remains focused on evolving the practices and structure to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Club and across the City.

Last summer, NYCFC announced the Club’s Starting XI Commitments as a pledge to make lasting, tangible, and ongoing commitments to the Black Lives Matter movement and to foster an inclusive, progressive culture in line with the Club’s core values of equality, dignity, and respect. One year later, the Club continues to educate and recognize Juneteenth with players, staff, and fans. This year, the Club will host the first-ever NYCFC Juneteenth Match, but initiatives will extend far beyond gameday.

NYCFC has proudly partnered with  and . This season, the partnership will include the construction and opening of a mini-soccer pitch for the local community at Colonel Young Playground in Harlem on Juneteenth.

That same day, June 19, the NYCFC First Team will take on New England Revolution at 7:30pm ET at Red Bull Arena where the Club will be hosting Juneteenth and inclusivity related activities, spotlighting Black-owned businesses and organizations, and celebrating diversity throughout the stadium.

Read the Club's Commitments
Read the Club's Commitments
NYCFC Celebrates Black Heritage - https://newyorkcity-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Pictures/Black%20Heritage/BLM-Graphic.jpg

JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth observes June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free. This was more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery on January 1, 1863.

1866 saw the first celebration of Juneteenth in the State of Texas. The holiday was and is observed in the same fashion as July 4, with parties, barbecues and parades. Due to the emergence of violent white supremacist groups during Reconstruction and the early 20th Century, many African Americans were violently intimidated and celebrations of the holiday were suppressed. The Poor People’s March on Washington, which took place on June 19, 1968, reignited interest in Juneteenth and would spur legislation that would ultimately see Juneteenth recognized in 47 out of 50 States.

Today and every day, we encourage our staff and fans to continue to learn more about Juneteenth and the legacy of slavery in the United States. Below are several book, movie and podcast suggestions.

Let's also do our part to help make Juneteenth a national holiday. Take action and add your name to the petition.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

About Black Players for Change

About Black Players for Change

Black Players for Change (BPC) is an independent organization consisting of over 170+ 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 right inequalities from protest to programs, partnerships and policies that address systemic racism.

About City in the Community

About City in the Community

City in the Community NY is the 501 (c)(3) charity foundation proudly supported by New York City FC. CITC launched in New York City in December of 2014 and currently serves 5,000 young New Yorkers each year. CITC NY uses the power of soccer to promote health, education and leadership development and create safe community spaces, where programming is free of charge.

About BronxWorks

About BronxWorks

With over 40 locations throughout the borough, BronxWorks has worked from the ground up in Bronx communities for over 49 years to help residents build healthy, stable futures for themselves and their neighborhoods. BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being. From toddlers to seniors, we feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger community.

AMPLIFYING OUR COMMUNITY

Q&A with Arielle Chambers

Q&A with Arielle Chambers

As the creator and social media manager behind Bleacher Report’s highlightHER platform, it has always been Arielle’s mission to amplify the voices on the women’s side of sports and culture. Ari shares how she’s coping after a difficult 2020, the power of activism in sports, and why she’s so dedicated to growing the women’s game.

Q&A with Estelle Johnson and Domi Richardson

Q&A with Estelle Johnson and Domi Richardson

NJ/NY Gotham FC players Estelle Johnson and Domi Richardson joined NYCFC.com for a conversation about the formation of the Black Women’s Player Collective, who inspired them as young, aspiring athletes, and their hopes for this upcoming year as they kick off their season in the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup.

Martin Luther King Day Poetry Contest keynote from New York State Attorney General Letitia James

During our #MLKDay poetry workshop, New York State Attorney General Letitia "Tish" James spoke to our youth about the importance of MLK Jr. She stated, "Nonviolence was not another word for being passive or not taking action. He understood that nonviolence is the most powerful force in the fight for freedom, equality and justice for all."

Black History Month Open Mic Night Winner

In February, City in the Community hosted an open mic poetry contest for children throughout the New York City area. This is the winning poem, Someday, written and performed by Abigail Kaloo.

Black History Month Speed Mentorship Event

City in the Community created an event to let our participants have an amazing opportunity to get professional socialization and personal support by different experienced Black professionals.

EDUCATING OUR COMMUNITY

BOOKS
BOOKS
MOVIES
MOVIES
PODCASTS
PODCASTS