Black Players for Change and Intentionalist Launch Special Edition Buy Black Card, Inviting Soccer Fans to #BuyBlack

A Juneteenth-timed celebration of the beautiful game turns global soccer energy into direct support for nearly 150 Black-owned businesses across Washington SEATTLE, Wash. — June 15, 2026 — As the global soccer spotlight turns to Seattle, Intentionalist and Black Players for Change (BPC) have teamed up on a Special Edition

Buy Black Card — a celebration of Juneteenth, the beautiful game, and a call to action to support the Black-owned businesses at the heart of Washington state communities. The card is now available at intentionalist.com, and the partners marked its launch with an in-person celebration at Simply Soulful, on the historic corner of 23rd and Jackson in Seattle’s Central District, on Saturday, June 13.

The Special Edition Buy Black Card builds on a multi-year partnership between Intentionalist and BPC to amplify and celebrate Black-owned businesses in cities across the U.S. BPC — an independent organization of more than 170 Black players, coaches, and staff from Major League Soccer — has been a leading voice for equity and representation since 2020.

“As we prepare to bring Juneteenth to the world stage, this partnership isn’t just about celebrating history — it’s about actively building the future. Economic inclusion is the structural foundation of true equity. By partnering with Intentionalist, we are providing a seamless, intentional way for fans, visitors, and community members to inject direct capital into the Black-owned small businesses that anchor these neighborhoods. Where we direct our resources matters, and this initiative ensures the economic legacy of this tournament is felt exactly where it belongs.”

— Allen Hopkins, Executive Director of Black Players for Change

“Intentionalist and Black Players for Change share the belief that intentional spending is one of the most direct ways to translate our good intentions into action,” said Laura Clise, founder of Intentionalist. “The Special Edition Buy Black Card is that belief made tangible. It’s an invitation to economic allyship — a way for fans, visitors, and neighbors to turn everyday decisions about where they eat, drink, and shop into an investment that strengthens the Black-owned businesses at the heart of our communities.”

“As a Black-owned business rooted right here on the historic corner of 23rd and Jackson in Seattle’s Central District, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome soccer fans and celebrate the incredible energy coming to our city through this partnership,” said Lillian Rambus, co-owner of Simply Soulful. “Simply Soulful has always been a community hub where people gather to connect over authentic, comforting food, and the Special Edition Buy Black Card is a beautiful extension of that spirit. It gives locals and visitors alike a meaningful way to intentionally support the vibrant ecosystem of Black-owned businesses that make Seattle so unique. We can’t wait to share a slice of our sweet potato pie and show everyone what soulful hospitality is all about as they explore and invest back into our community.”

“I grew up in Seattle, but coffee in my family was never grab-and-go. It was a daily pause, a reason to gather with the people around you,” said Efrem Fesaha, owner of Boon Boona Coffee. “That’s what soccer brings to a city too, so this partnership feels like a natural fit. The Special Edition Buy Black Card turns a warm welcome into real economic impact. Every cup and every purchase supports the small businesses here in our neighborhoods. When the world comes to Seattle this summer, let’s make sure Black-owned businesses throughout Washington feel it.”

“QueenCare is beyond excited to celebrate the summer season with Intentionalist and Black Players for Change on this Special Edition Buy Black Card,” said Monika Mathews, owner of QueenCare. “It’s the perfect way to celebrate our city’s soccer spirit while discovering amazing Black businesses that anchor our community. We are honored to stand alongside partners who believe in uplifting the community through intentional economic development. Let’s get out there and Spend Like It Matters with the Buy Black Card.”

The Details: How the Buy Black Card Works

• Targeted Local Power: The card is a prepaid, restricted-access card usable exclusively at nearly 150 Black-owned independent brick-and-mortar small businesses across Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Issaquah, and beyond.

• Direct Neighborhood Investment: From neighborhood cafes and coffeeshops to salons, wine bars, and boutiques, every swipe is a direct investment in the people and places that make Washington’s communities vibrant, diverse, and resilient.

• No Barrier to Entry: There is no cost for Black-owned businesses to join the Buy Black Card network, ensuring 100% of the card’s value directly benefits the local economy.

Art That Celebrates Connection Thanks to Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, the Special Edition Buy Black Card features original artwork by acclaimed Seattle artist Damon Brown. His striking design draws inspiration from soccer as a powerful vehicle for bringing people together, bridging cultures, and building community. It is a functional piece of art designed to live in your wallet — a constant reminder of the communities you are choosing to back. “I created the original Buy Black Card artwork to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses,” said Damon Brown. “With this special edition, I drew inspiration from the movement, rhythm, and unifying spirit of soccer to bring that energy into the art, encouraging even more people to connect with, support, and Buy Black.”

Get 20% More Impact, Thanks to Community Partners

The Special Edition Buy Black Card is available now at intentionalist.com. To maximize impact, community members enjoy a 20% discount at purchase — meaning you pay less to spend more at the businesses anchoring our communities. This promotional incentive is made possible through the generous support of Intentionalist’s partners, including BECU, Symetra, and the Central Area Collaborative.

How to Be a Part of the Movement

• Spread the Word: Encourage the Black-owned businesses you love to sign up for the free Intentionalist Card / Buy Black Card program.

• Buy the Card: Available now, exclusively via intentionalist.com.

• Spend Intentionally: Use your card at nearly 150 participating Black-owned businesses across Greater Seattle.

• Multiply the Impact: Gift a card to a friend, your team, or your company to keep the momentum going.

This summer, as soccer brings the world to Seattle, let’s ensure the world experiences the very best of Washington — one Black-owned business at a time.

About Intentionalist

At Intentionalist, we believe that where we spend our money matters. Our online platform and guide connect consumers to local businesses and the diverse people behind them. Through our directory, guides, and events, we make it easier to #SpendLikeItMatters and support small businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans, families, members of the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities. We build more vibrant, inclusive communities by helping consumers be more intentional about where they eat, drink, and shop. Intentionalist is a social enterprise based in Seattle, WA. To support local businesses in your community, visit intentionalist.com.

About Black Players for Change Black Players for Change (BPC) is an independent organization of more than 170 Black players, coaches, and staff from Major League Soccer. Since 2020, BPC has been a leading voice for equity, representation, and economic empowerment in soccer and the broader community. # # #