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USL, USLBPA to Collaborate on Black History Month Initiatives

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 02/01/21, 8:30AM EST

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Compilation of video series, historical imagery, first-person stories and player, fan spotlights will explore intersection of soccer, black culture

TAMPA, Fla. – As part of a year-round effort to tell stories at the intersection of soccer and black culture, the United Soccer League and the USL Black Players Alliance today announced a series of initiatives celebrating Black History Month. Working directly with the USLBPA, the league will publish a series of first-person stories written by members of the USL black community, including historical imagery, and will support and amplify an original video series currently in production by the Alliance. 

“We look forward to working with USL to amplify the stories of the players in our organization,” said USLBPA Co-founder and Executive Committee member, Brandon Miller. “We want to give our players the opportunity to be open and candid about their experiences and also give the fans the chance to connect on a deeper level beyond soccer. Black history is a massive part of American history and we also want to highlight those who have paved the way for our own success. Being able to work with the league this month, and beyond, to share these stories is very important for our organization.”

In addition to supporting and amplifying the USLBPA’s original Black History Month content, the league will also hand over its platforms to Alliance members to publish a weekly, written first-person series on race, family, soccer, and culture. The first edition, featuring Forward Madison FC’s J.C. Banks, will drop later this week.

Fans will be able to access this year’s ‘Black History Month’ initiatives via all USLBPA and USL social channels, as well as the USL HQ, Championship and League One websites, where a customized Black History Month page has been created to include posts from players, clubs, fans, the USL and USLBPA’s ongoing partnership with Black Arrow FC, as well as first-person ‘From the Pitch’ stories.

“We’re always thankful to the USLBPA for working with us,” said USL Vice President Ryan Madden. “We’re also appreciative for everything they do in driving our league, and the culture around it, forward. They’ve made the USL a better place.”