DURHAM, N.C.—Former Duke men's soccer player Jeremy Ebobisse is among the 12 players who will serve on the board of the newly formed Black Players Coalition of Major League Soccer. Ebobisse currently is a forward for the Portland Timbers.
The announcement of the formation of the Black Players Coalition came on June 19, the date known as Juneteenth. Originating in Texas, the date is celebrated for the date when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the Texas and freed the slaves. The recognition of the date, which dates back to 1865 when the slaves were freed has gained momentum as a result of the Black Lives Matter movement and recent protests against racism in the United States.