"Free to be Free" | Celebrating Freedom on Juneteenth

"Free to be Free" follows a young soccer player, Chris, as he learns about the meaning and significance of June 19th.

Created in collaboration between Major League Soccer and black creators Ethan White and Matthew Stith, the short film features former MLS players Raymon Gaddis, Warren Creavalle, and Ethan White himself, as well as a commemorative design by Israel Solomon, that will be featured on all MLS Jerseys the weekend of June 19, 2021.

For more information visit:

https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/topics/juneteenth/

Major League Soccer announced plans to recognize Juneteenth – the effective end of slavery in the United States – with a series of initiatives that celebrate freedom. In collaboration with its clubs, Black Players for Change (BPC), an independent organization of Black MLS players, coaches, and staff seeking to increase inclusion in soccer that was established on Juneteenth 2020, MLS programs will include a limited-edition jersey auction, and the playing of the Black National Anthem (“Lift Every Voice and Sing”) before matches on the weekend beginning June 18.

“This league wide recognition is a wonderful celebration of freedom made possible by our deep collaboration with Black Players for Change,” said MLS Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer Sola Winley. “It was our collective hope to honor this significant moment in American history by celebrating the freedom fighters of our past as well as acknowledging the freedom fighters of today that continue to shine a light on the need for equality, prosperity and freedom for all. In the span of only one year, we have ideated together to take meaningful actions for change both inside and outside of our sport.”

The Juneteenth-inspired numbers on the jerseys of all players competing during the weekend of June 18-20 were designed by Indianapolis native Israel Solomon in collaboration with MLS and Black Players for Change. The jersey numbers – presented in a bold, empowering, and visually attractive sharp-line red, black and green pattern – are inspired by Black culture and symbolize ancestry, liberation, and cultural vibrancy.

“When approached with the opportunity to design the Juneteenth-inspired numbers, I wanted to use this platform to educate within a work of art,” said Solomon. “After collaborating with MLS and BPC, their clear vision to use this piece as a means to celebrate and educate led to the creation of something that was bold, prideful, and visually attractive.”

MLS clubs also will activate through various initiatives in their home markets to recognize Juneteenth. A list of league wide Juneteenth commemoration plans for all clubs is available on MLSsoccer.com.

MLS will continue to collaborate and support BPC’s opportunities to use their voices and their platforms as players to make meaningful and sustainable change.

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