As part of the Crew's opening match vs. FC Cincinnati, defender Jonathan Mensahwore a custom captain's armband featuring a salute to Black Lives Matter.
Designed in conjunction with Crew supporters' group, Nordecke, Mensah explained how the armband is part of a larger opportunity for him and his teammates to use their platforms as a tool for educating and bringing awareness to social injustice and inequality.
"Yeah, so Nordecke is part of the Crew family. They contacted the team. They spoke to the team on how they could also help this cause and they did, and I think it worked out really well. We are happy to collaborate with the Nordecke and to come up with something thatâs not just for the team but for the society as well, so itâs really good for us to do that.
"I think we came up with the BLM because we all know it serves a great cause to bring change to society, to be able to educate, and so hopefully we can use our platform as a voice for those who donât have a voice. Hopefully, it goes beyond soccer in our societies as well."
Earlier this week, Mensah joined teammates and other members of the Black Players Coalition of Major League Soccer in an act of solidarity to kick off the MLS is Back Tournament.
For more educational resources and ways to help in the fight against racial injustice, visit our resource page.
