On Friday, LAFC will recognize Juneteenth as a holiday throughout the Club. For those unfamiliar with Juneteenth, it refers to June 19, 1865, the day of the official end to slavery in the United States. It is a day that is recognized as a holiday in some form or another by 47 of our 50 states. But even on its 155th anniversary, Juneteenth is not a nationally recognized holiday. LAFC has taken up an initiative to change that.
LAFC VP of Creative & Branded Content Marcus McDougald joins Max and Vince to speak about the petition to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Growing up, Marcus split his time between California and North Carolina. He shares with Max and Vince what it was like growing up Black in both areas of the country and how racism isn't contained in any one area of the US. Max and Vince learn more about Juneteenth's history and Marcus tells us what the day being recognized means to the Black community.
Before Marcus joins the podcast, Max and Vince talk a little bit about new LAFC signing Andy Najar and what he brings to the Club. They also have a conversation about what they've liked about the returning leagues in Europe and how MLS might improve on those leagues with the MLS is Back Tournament.
If you're interested in learning more about Juneteenth and signing the petition, please visit www.change.org/LAFCJuneteenth.