MLS New York City FC

New York City Football Club Hosts 2023 Black Excellence Match

Published on June 16, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release


New York City Football Club (NYCFC) is set to host its third Black Excellence match, presented by Montefiore Einstein on Saturday, June 17 vs. Columbus Crew at Yankee Stadium. NYCFC has partnered with the Universal Hip Hop Museum to celebrate Black Excellence this year by honoring the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. The Club will also be honoring its partners at the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which is similarly also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Match Activations

This Saturday's Black Excellence match will feature guest musical performances throughout the day. Additionally, local Brooklyn rapper Torae will be a guest host for the match.

Inside the stadium ahead of kickoff, musical artist YahZarah will perform "Lift Every Voice & Sing," followed immediately by the National Anthem. At halftime, a pre-recorded performance from DJ Dummy at the Universal Hip Hop Museum will be broadcasted into the stadium alongside a live performance by Torae.

Retail

NYCFC will offer limited-edition scarves inspired by Hip Hop culture throughout the decades at the team store. All NYCFC proceeds from the scarf will be donated to Central Brooklyn Soccer Club, an organization that provides opportunities for New York City youth to develop and grow through athletic competition.

Additionally, Major League Soccer and Black Players for Change collaborated with world-renowned photographer and founder of Charcoal Pitch F.C, Mel D. Cole, who was tapped as the creative lead for the League's Juneteenth campaign. Cole selected Black artist Gianni Lee to design the 2023 MLS Juneteenth-inspired, "The Seeds We Plant. The Flowers We Share" collectible jerseys.

The 29 collectible jerseys will be signed by players and auctioned off with funds going to organizations that impact the Black community in each club's local market. The funds raised from NYCFC's jersey will be donated to Central Brooklyn Soccer Club. Fans can bid on the collectibles at MLSauctions.com.

Brad Sims, NYCFC CEO, said: "NYCFC is thrilled to host our Black Excellence match this Saturday to showcase and honor the remarkable talent and achievements of the Black community in New York City. Our Club is as committed as ever to fostering an inclusive culture in line with our core values of equality, dignity and respect, and our Black Excellence match is an important moment to continue these efforts. Along with our partners at the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Universal Hip Hop Museum and Montefiore Einstein for this match, we welcome everyone to join us in this celebration of New York City's Black community."

To learn more about the Universal Hip Hop Museum, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Central Brooklyn Soccer Club and Black Players for Change, visit uhhm.org, jackierobinson.org, centralbrooklynsoccerclub.com and blackplayersforchange.org.

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