FC Dallas Joins MLS and Black Players for Change in Commemorating Juneteenth with “Freedom to Be” Jersey Numbers and Auction for Impact Organizations

June 15, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – FC Dallas News Release

Frisco, TX – FC Dallas announced today along with Major League Soccer a series of initiatives to celebrate Juneteenth – the historic date commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the U.S. All programs are a close collaboration between MLS, all 28 MLS clubs, and Black Players for Change (BPC) – an independent organization of Black MLS players, coaches, and staff working to bridge the racial equality gap in soccer and society- and are a continuation of MLS’ work to bring awareness to the significant contributions of Black Americans, and to foster more inclusive and equitable communities.

When FC Dallas takes the field this weekend against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on June 18, all players will be wearing jerseys featuring Juneteenth-inspired numbers designed by Judah, a Black queer artist from Childersburg, Alabama. Judah, who now resides in Brooklyn, N.Y., created the numbers – a vibrant yellow, green, and red color palette, to represent the blood, soil and prosperity of Africa and its people.

“We are all born with an inalienable right to be free, to live a life of value, self-expression and dignity,” said Sola Winley, Executive Vice President, Commissioner’s Office and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Major League Soccer. “Juneteenth is a special moment for Major League Soccer to honor this truth and to celebrate and commemorate the significant contributions and sacrifices of Black Americans to our nation’s culture, commerce, and community.”

Presented in commemorative boxes, the game-worn jerseys will be available for fans to acquire via an online auction from June 20 – July 5. Proceeds from the auction will benefit organizations supporting and uplifting Black communities in the markets of MLS clubs. The S.M. Wright Foundation will be the auction beneficiary from the FC Dallas game-worn jerseys. (A complete list of auction beneficiaries can be found below). Additional auction information, including how to place a bid, will be made available on MLSauctions.com later this week.

The S.M. Wright Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides support and stability to inner-city, underprivileged children and less fortunate families through hunger relief, educational support, health promotion, social service assistance and economic empowerment.

The jersey numbers and the limited-edition jersey packaging illustrate the history and importance of Juneteenth,…