MLS and Black Players for Change, an independent organization consisting of Black players, coaches and staff from the league, have teamed up to commemorate Juneteenth. MLS teams will be wearing jerseys during the weekend of June 18 and June 19 to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. 

 

The 28 clubs will wear jerseys featuring Juneteenth-inspired numbers designed by Black queer artist Judah. The numbers will feature a yellow, green and red colour palette “to represent the blood, soil and prosperity of Africa and its people,” according to the artist. 

 

In the days to follow, game-worn jerseys will be available at an online auction for fans. Proceeds from the auction will go to organizations that support Black communities. Toronto FC will donate to the ​​Foundation for Black Communities, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will donate to Ethos Lab, and CF Montréal will donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Montreal. In addition to the team donations, MLS will donate to 100 Black Men of America and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. The league partnered with both organizations in 2020. 

 

Before every match this weekend, the Black National Anthem will be played. Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson was often used as a rallying cry for Black liberation in the 20th century. The anthem rose to greater prominence after the murder of George Floyd. 

 

Juneteenth was first celebrated in 1865 after Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas, on June 19 to proclaim the freedom of enslaved African-Americans. This was more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. While Juneteenth has been celebrated for over a century, the day was recognized as a federal holiday in the United States when President Joe Biden signed it into law in 2021.