Black Women’s Player Collective Announces 2025 Juneteenth Programming in Collaboration with NWSL, Cortney Herron, and Community Partners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: press@thebwpc.org
Date: June 12, 2025
Black Women’s Player Collective Announces 2025 Juneteenth Programming in Collaboration with NWSL, Cortney Herron, and Community Partners
CHICAGO, IL — The Black Women’s Player Collective (BWPC) is proud to announce its Juneteenth 2025 initiative, a nationwide celebration of freedom, culture, and representation through sport. This year’s programming spans the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) markets, youth engagement events, artist collaborations, and community-centered campaigns—reflecting BWPC’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders on and off the field.
BWPC X Cortney Herron X NWSL: Celebrating Freedom Through Art
In partnership with the NWSL, BWPC has teamed up with acclaimed visual artist Cortney Herron to design limited-edition Juneteenth pre-match tops,worn by players across the league. Known for her vibrant work that amplifies Black women and women of color, Herron’s designs serve as a powerful tribute to liberation, creativity, and cultural pride.
Fans can see these custom pieces debut during Juneteenth match weekends, honoring the legacy of the holiday with a unified message: Celebrate Freedom.
(Imagery of Artist)
Elevate The Next: 5v5 Juneteenth Tournament
Date: June 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Mason Elementary, 1830 S Keeler Avenue, Chicago, IL
In Partnership With: Chicago Stars, PRO Referee Organization, Mason Elementary
BWPC is hosting a 5v5 youth soccer tournament in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood designed to introduce, inspire, and Elevate The Next generation of soccer players. Featuring BWPC members Darian Jenkins, Gabrielle Vincent, and Kayla Mills, the event includes a referee crash course, live tournament games of Chicago Stars youth, player meet-and-greets, and giveaways.
Run of Show:
10:00 AM – Referee Crash Course
10:50 AM – Tournament Kickoff
12:00 PM – Q&A and Photo Opportunities
12:00–1:00 PM – Food, Giveaways, and Community Celebration
Come support and cheer on the youth participating in this tournament.
Juneteenth Highlights Around the League
The celebration extends throughout the league with team-specific activations, teams including:
Angel City FC
Bay FC
NJ/NY Gotham FC
Racing Louisville
Washington Spirit
Get Girls to Games: Empowering the Next Generation
In collaboration with Girls Inc., and local youth organizations, BWPC continues its mission to get girls in the game—this time, literally. Our “Get Girls To Games” campaign will bring young girls from local communities to matches across the country to witness the power of representation firsthand.
BWPC Celebrates Black-Owned Businesses
As part of BWPC commitment to uplifting community members who are building and investing in their communities, BWPC has curated a list of Black-owned businesses across each market we are active in. This initiative highlights and celebrates local entrepreneurs who are making a difference - one business at a time.
About BWPC
The Black Women’s Player Collective (BWPC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that introduces, inspires and exposes the next generations to the many possibilities’ soccer can bring to life and elevates the image, value, and representation of Black women as athletes and leaders in business, industry, and public and private institutions. The BWPC consists of active and retired pro-women athletes whose aim is to provide a collective voice to the Black perspective and experience of professional female athletes. For more information visit www.thebwpc.org or follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
Press Inquiries:
Email: press@thebwpc.org
Website: www.thebwpc.org