Black MLS players create coalition to combat racism

More than 70 black Major League Soccer players have banded together to form the Black Players Coalition (BPC), which "will address the racial inequalities in our league, stand with all those fighting racism in the world of soccer, and positively impact black communities across the United States and Canada."

Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow, who is the BPC executive director, stated the three goals of the newly formed coalition: increased black representation in the MLS Players Association, having a voice in all MLS matters that involve race, and making an impact in black communities. For the third goal, the BPC has already secured $75,000 in charitable contributions by the MLS Players Association on the Coalition's behalf. MLS released a statement offering full support of the BPC.

"MLS proudly recognizes and supports the Black Players Coalition of MLS -- a group of players who today, on Juneteenth, have established themselves as influential change leaders," the statement read. "The League looks forward to continued and longstanding collaborations with the Black Players Coalition of MLS through efforts aimed at developing the game in Black communities, prioritizing diversity, and addressing implicit bias through league-wide cultural and educational initiatives."

Morrow was one of the leading forces in the creation of the BPC, as he and a group of black players began meeting to discuss how they felt they weren't being properly represented by the MLS Players Association.

"It kind of felt like my world was crumbling, and when I reached out to my black soccer player peers, they all felt the same way," Morrow said. "And so when we came together on that call, it was the most hopeful thing in one of the darkest weeks of my entire life. And I say that because it was like seeing my brothers and being in a room full of friends. And you know, everyone was there full of love and compassion. And it was really there that we decided that we needed an organization for ourselves."