The Seattle Sounders have announced a series of special club programming in honor of Black History Month.
In addition to the initiatives announced by MLS this week, Seattle will be taking part in projects to help promote and support local Black-owned businesses, elevating the voices of Black professional athletes and encouraging physical activity and play through equipment giveaways in several Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) communities, as outlined in a Thursday release from the club.
On Monday, Seattle kicked off its Black History Month programming with the introduction of the Seattle Sounders FC Black History Month InTENtional List. The month-long effort will see the club partner with Intentionalist, an online guide to intentional spending that supports small businesses and diverse local communities by making it easier to find and support businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, families and people with disabilities.
Throughout February, Sounders FC and Intentionalist are highlighting 10 Black-owned restaurants throughout the Puget Sound region, giving the broader community a chance to get to know the diverse people and stories behind each business and its owners, with profiles featured on Intentionalist’s website.
Sounders FC and its charitable arm, RAVE Foundation, are also elevating the voices and lived experiences of Black professional athletes.
Former Sounder and club broadcaster Steve Zakuani hosted a special interview with OL Reign forward Jasmyne Spencer as part of Black History Month and Women and Girls in Sports Day. The interview highlights what Black History Month means to Spencer and discusses her inspiration and how she hopes to inspire the next generation as a Black, female professional athlete.
Additionally, representatives from Sounders FC, OL Reign and the Seattle Storm are collaborating on a video, under the theme “Be Inspired!”,s that is being incorporated into Seattle Housing Authority’s Black History Month programming.
Read more about Seattle's programs to honor Black History Month here.
