Time: 2024-06-19
Timbers alumni, along with the first team, T2, and Academy players, recently participated in a special photoshoot of new shirts to commemorate Juneteenth. MLS, in collaboration with Black Players for Change and adidas, introduced the I AM #19 pre-match top to emphasize the significance of Juneteenth and to unite players across all levels of the league as agents of change. From academies to first teams and beyond, generations came together to inspire change in new ways.
Thompson, a former Timbers player, is the club's USL all-time leader in appearances and minutes played. Mwanga, a local star from Jefferson High School and Oregon State University, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. The players gathered at the Timbers Training Center to highlight the significance of Juneteenth and promote unity among players at all levels.
D.C. United announced various activations and initiatives ahead of their Juneteenth Theme Night match against Atlanta United FC at Audi Field. Since 2020, Major League Soccer and its clubs have celebrated Juneteenth to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. D.C. United has proudly joined this celebration for the last three seasons and will continue to honor the historical significance of Juneteenth with several matchday events and activations for fans.
The club will present checks to Black-owned food vendors at Audi Field during halftime of the Juneteenth match to assist with enhancing their refrigeration systems. Additionally, D.C. United will promote the Small Business Pass initiative to support locally owned businesses in the DMV area. The team will also highlight and support local community organizations during the match.
D.C. United will collaborate with Black Players For Change, an organization of Black MLS players, coaches, and staff, to introduce a special edition pre-match I AM #19 shirt that acknowledges the significance of Juneteenth. The club will also host a pop-up shop with The Museum DC at Audi Field to celebrate their historic clothing collaboration.
During the Juneteenth match, D.C. United will raise awareness and support for local non-profits, including Peace for DC, Playtime Project, FAN DC, and Innocence Project. Fans can participate in various initiatives like a 50/50 raffle benefiting DC SCORES and a Club Shop Round-Up to support the DCU Foundation's efforts.
D.C. United, one of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer, is among the most decorated teams in the United States. The team plays their home games at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., and trains at the state-of-the-art Inova Performance Complex in Leesburg, Va. The club's commitment to celebrating Juneteenth and supporting local communities reflects their dedication to using soccer as a platform for positive change and unity.
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