MLS announces multiple initiatives to combat racism

Major League Soccer announced new initiatives on Monday to combat racism, advocate for social justice and increase Black representation in the sport.

The formation of the new programs is the result of several months of discussions with stakeholders across the league. 

Here's a summary of the various initiatives MLS has created:

• MLS Diversity Committee: This group includes MLS owners, BPC leadership, club executives, head coaches, academy coaches, former MLS players and members of Pitch Black, which is a resource group of Black employees from the league office. The goal of the committee is to promote diversity, inclusion and opportunity. 
• Civic Engagement Initiative: This initiative will help address issues of public concern among minority communities. One area of focus will be on getting more people to vote. 
• Soccer Upward Mobility Initiative: This initiative provides access, exposure and defined career paths for underrepresented groups. 
• Youth and Grassroots Community Program: This initiative will close the representation gap across the spectrum of the sport in North America with a goal of increasing participation for members of minority groups. 
• Supplier Diversity Program: This program will provide opportunities and economic inclusion to minority-owned businesses. 
• Partnerships with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and 100 Black Men of America: MLS formed partnerships with 100 Black Men of America and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women to focus on growth in areas of social justice. 

It's not surprising to see MLS enact these initiatives. Promotion of social justice is something all North American sports leagues have done in recent months.

MLS joins the NBA in having some of the most effective initiatives when it comes to combating racism and enhancing social justice.