Hometown Heroes First to Sport 2023 MLS All-Star Jersey
NEW YORK, N.Y AND WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 27, 2023) – Major League Soccer, D.C. United, 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 RBC Wealth Management announced today the 2023 All-Star Hometown Heroes. This honor recognizes the work of impactful organizations and leaders who are making positive change in the communities of the District of Columbia and that embody D.C. United’s community values of Empowerment, Opportunity, and Service.
Below are the 2023 Hometown Heroes. Each organization will receive a $15,000 grant to elevate their work and community impact.
- Latin American Youth Center, Lupi Quinteros-Grady (she/her), President and CEO
- Rainbow Families, Darren Paul-Vance (he/him), Executive Director
- Note, Dr. Ashlie Prioleau (all/any pronouns)(pictured fourth from left on front row of photo), Board of Directors will be accepting the award on behalf of Rainbow Families during the Showcase.
- So Kids Soar (formerly Dreams for Kids), Glenda Fu Smith (she/her), Executive Director
- We’re Empowered to Achieve the impossible (WETATi), Dr. Margaret Dureke (she/her), Founder, President and Executive Director
Additionally, Howard University Men’s Soccer Program is being recognized as the Honorary Hero for positively impacting the local community through soccer. The program’s current and past coaches – Phillip Gyau (he/him), Keith Tucker (he/him), and Lincoln Phillips (he/him) – will accept the award on the program’s behalf.
The second annual MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase presented by RBC Wealth Management and in collaboration with BPC and D.C. United, is a private event that will take place on Tuesday, July 18, the day before MLS faces off against Arsenal FC. The event is part of the League, D.C. United, BPC and RBC Wealth Management’s ongoing efforts to amplify and celebrate inclusion and equity.
For more details, including background on the honorees, selection committee and criteria, along with statements, click **HERE**.
For assets of the 2023 MLS All-Star jersey, click **HERE**.
As local stars off the field and in the community, the Hometown Heroes sported the 2023 All-Star jerseys at Audi Field, home of the 2023 All-Star game. The jersey design was inspired by the Nation’s Capital’s famous landmarks and the three stars of the District of Columbia’s flag. Jerseys are on sale starting today at MLSstore.com and in D.C. at various All-Star activations.
For additional information on this year’s honorees, visit MLSsoccer.com. Media interested in attending are encouraged to R.S.V.P. by contacting MLS@BerkCommunications.com or Angela.Alfano@MLSoccer.com.
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ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer -- celebrating its 28th season in 2023 -- features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including a new expansion team in San Diego that will debut in 2025. All MLS, Leagues Cup,and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass will feature the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.
ABOUT BLACK PLAYERS FOR CHANGE:
Black Players for Change (BPC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization consisting of over 170+ Black players, coaches and staff from MLS, working to bridge the racial equality gap that exists in society. BPC is committed to tackling the racial injustices that have limited Black people from having an equitable stake in the game of soccer and society. Among the many goals, the organization strives to advance the attention on human rights inequalities from protests to programs, partnerships, and policies that address systemic discrimination. For more information visit www.BlackPlayersForChange.org.
ABOUT RBC Wealth Management:
In the United States, RBC Wealth Management operates as a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC. Founded in 1909, RBC Wealth Management is a member of the New York Stock Exchange, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, and other major securities exchanges. RBC Wealth Management has $515 billion in total client assets with more than 2,100 financial advisors operating in 186 locations in 42 states.
Media Contacts:
Major League Soccer
Angela Alfano, VP of Communications
For Black Players for Change
Sirena Amarikwa
Rodney Knox
RBC Wealth Management
Megan Boldt
2023 MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes presented by RBC Wealth Management
- Selection Criteria: The organization must have a record of community impact embodying D.C. United’s community values of Empowerment, Opportunity and Service serving the District of Columbia region. The primary leader of the organization must be from one of the following underrepresented groups: Asian or Pacific Islander, Arab or Middle Eastern, Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Native American, or People with disabilities.
- Selection Committee: The Hometown Heroes were selected by a committee consisting of D.C. United/Black Players for Change athletes Chris Durkin (he/him), Steve Birnbaum (he/him), and Donovan Pines (he/him), D.C. United stakeholders that included President of Business Operations, Danita Johnson (she/her); MLS EVP, Commissioner’s Office and Chief DEI Officer, Sola Winley (he/him) and RBC Wealth Management representative, Beth Rafferty (she/her).
2023 MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Honorees presented by RBC Wealth Management
**Latin American Youth Center**, Lupi Quinteros-Grady (she/her), President and CEO
The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) empowers a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood through multi-cultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youths’ social, academic, and career needs. Since our founding in the late 1960s, LAYC has grown from a small grassroots recreation center into a nationally recognized agency serving all low-income youth. Each year LAYC serves over 4,000 youth and families through youth centers, school-based sites, and public charter schools in the District of Columbia and Maryland’s Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties as the Maryland Multicultural Youth Centers (MMYC). We believe in a future where all youth pursue their dreams, reach their goals, and acquire the skills and self-confidence to live a life of purpose, connection, contribution, and joy.
**Rainbow Families**, Darren Paul-Vance (he/him), Executive Director & Dr. Ashlie Prioleau (any/all pronouns), Board of Directors
For over 40 years, Rainbow Families DC has provided education programs, support services, resources and opportunities to connect for LGBTQ+ parents, prospective parents and families. As a small, grassroots non profit, Rainbow Families provides an extensive array of services – all thanks to loyal, selfless volunteers. Rainbow Families offers ten monthly support groups, pathways to parenthood courses such as Maybe Baby, a Legal Talk series, an annual Family Conference, plus empowering family gatherings such as their Family Camping Weekend, ball game outings, playdates, picnics and more. Services are offered both virtually and in-person.
**So Kids Soar** (formerly Dreams for Kids), Glenda Fu Smith (she/her), Executive Director
So Kids SOAR (SKS, formerly Dreams For Kids DC), a not-for-profit section 501©(3), provides life-changing programs that empower youth with physical and developmental disabilities to Strive, Own, Achieve and Realize their potential. We enable participants to SOAR through a suite of adaptive programming that includes athletic, recreational, and skill-building activities. The self-confidence and skills gained through these programs inspire each child to realize that their disability will not prevent them from fulfilling their potential. Visit sokidssoar.org for more information.
**We’re Empowered to Achieve the impossible** (WETATi), Dr. Margaret Dureke (she/her), Founder, President and Executive Director
We’re Empowered to Achieve the impossible is a nonprofit that provides world-class enrichment for students anywhere through our Practical Entrepreneurship Education Program. Practical: educate low to moderate income students through practical and experiential activities that prepare for employment, future economic opportunities & entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship: Economic empowerment through equitable access to employment and job creation. Education: An in-depth breakdown in the key things you'll need in real life. Broken down into detailed, doable, digestible lesson and sessions.
Howard University Men’s Soccer Program
In 1939, the Howard University men’s soccer team played the first interracial soccer game in the United States. The program became the first university to win both the NAIA and NCAA championship titles (NAIA – 1961; NCAA – 1971, 1974). Howard is the first historically black college or university (HBCU) to win an NCAA soccer title (or any Division I national title).
Executive Quotes:
- Major League Soccer: Sola Winley (he/him), EVP Commissioner’s Office, and MLS Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, “Major League Soccer is honored to celebrate and acknowledge these deserving Hometown Heroes whose impact and love make the world brighter and safer for so many individuals, families, and communities.”
- Black Players For Change (BPC): Quincy Amarikwa (he/him), Founder, “It is an honor to showcase the remarkable individuals and influential organizations in the DMV who are true community heroes. The dedication and thoughtful consideration invested by the selection committee in evaluating a wide array of impactful local leaders fills us with inspiration. Black Players For Change expresses gratitude for this chance to foster connections and bring attention to community members who have diligently worked towards advancing culture, undeterred and unwavering in their commitment to the greater good of humanity.”
- RBC Wealth Management: Beth Rafferty (she/her), RBC Wealth Management branch director in Washington, D.C., “As a native Washingtonian, I’m proud to honor these grassroots organizations and the work they do every day to help our neighbors thrive. Making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work is a cornerstone of the culture at RBC Wealth Management. The MLS Hometown Heroes embody that value of social responsibility, striving to make the District of Columbia an equitable and inclusive place for all.”
What Hometown Heroes Are Saying:
“As someone who grew up in the Washington DC area and represents the organization that helped me get to the place I am today, being recognized as an MLS All-Star Hometown Hero is truly an honor. It allows me to showcase the positive work being done in the community and hopefully inspire others as it has inspired me,” said Lupi Quinteros-Grady, President and CEO of **Latin American Youth Center**. “On behalf of my entire team, and as someone who represents the organization that helped me get to where I am today, LAYC’s recognition as an MLS All-Star Hometown Hero is truly an honor. It allows our team to showcase the positive work being done in the community and hopefully inspire others as it has inspired me to dream big.”
“Being an MLS All-Star Hometown Hero means ensuring that your community is seen and heard; and being the conduit through which their stories are shared and honored,” said Glenda Fu Smith, Executive Director of **So Kids Soar** (formerly Dreams for Kids). “I believe that every person has an important story to share and contribution to make to this world-- and my hope is that I can help them realize their importance,"
“Our mission of educating and empowering low to moderate income students (11-25) year old, on how to become financially independent through our program ‘practical entrepreneurship education’ is a difficult one to accomplish but, with support from progressive organizations like MLS it’s more than possible. For this we are eternally grateful,” said Dr. Margaret Dureke, We’re Empowered to Achieve the Impossible (WETATi).
“It is a tremendous honor for Rainbow Families DC to be selected as an MLS All-Star Hometown Hero. Especially as a lean, grassroots nonprofit, this recognition and support will assist us in carrying out our mission to educate, support, and connect LGBTQ+ families, parents and prospective parents by offering a wide variety of education programs and support groups in the D.C. Metropolitan area” said Darren Paul-Vance, Executive Director, Rainbow Families. “Rainbow Families envisions and strives for a nation where all LGBTQ+ families can legally, openly and safely live in full equality. We are grateful for the MLS community's support to help make that vision a reality."
What MLS’ Honorary Hometown Heroes Are Saying:
"I believe it's very exciting to be a part of the MLS All Star game activities. Howard being an HBCU has made a historically significant contribution being the first and only to accomplish all that the soccer program has over the years,” said Keith Tucker, former Howard University Men’s Soccer Coach. “A lot of work went into not only the on field success’s but also helping create access and opportunity for the kids in the city to participate in the worlds sport. It is an amazing feeling being a part of that legacy and I look forward to see what else can be achieved in the future.”
“The MLS All-Star game is a momentous occasion that brings together the BEST of the BEST in the world of soccer. I am so proud to be a part of this prestigious event,” Phillip Gyau, current Howard University Men’s Soccer Coach. “For Washington, D.C., This game is more than just a showcase of skill and talent-It is a celebration of our city's rich history and DIVERSE culture. And as we look to the future, it's also an opportunity to highlight the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the world of soccer.”
