Austin Anthem Stands with Our Black Friends and Neighbors

This weekend, our nation witnessed numerous cities come together in protest against racism, injustice, and hatred while showing their support for black men and women in this country.

Austin Anthem was founded on the principle that all people in our city are valuable and make it the creative, thriving home we love. Our black friends and neighbors are essential to the fabric of our community and we stand with them.

We feel strongly that it is our responsibility as an organization that represents this city, to use our voice to promote inclusivity, speak out against hatred, and empower all within our community. We believe the thousands of Austin Anthem members are willing to be part of the change our society desperately needs, as shown through their actions over the last seven years.

We would urge everyone in our community to take steps that promote justice and equality in our city, including partnering with organizations already hard at work, like Austin Justice Coalition. AJC is a community organization that focuses on improving the quality of life for people who are Black, Brown, and poor. Since 2015, AJC has served as a catalyst for positive change towards economic and racial equity for Austin’s people of color by developing, organizing, and providing robust programs and events. We would encourage you to learn more about their mission and contribute in ways that are right for you. If that means educating yourself, take the time to read up and engage in conversation with members of our community. If you have time to volunteer, please sign up. If you have the means to donate financially, please give generously.

We all have different backgrounds, come from different walks of life, and face different struggles. We cannot solve problems alone — and certainly not problems of this scale overnight — but together, we can demand more of each other, our institutions, and our society.

Additional Resources

• Austin Monthly has developed a list of black-owned businesses in our city, which includes restaurants, shops and makers.
• Continue to support All Together ATX and the efforts of Austin Community foundation and the United Way for Greater Austin in response to COVID-19.
• Explore the work of the Greater Austin Black Chamber and their mission to inspire, develop, and promote Black economic success in the Greater Austin area.

The Major League Soccer 2020 Fan Code prohibits, “Displaying signs, symbols, images, using language or making gestures that are threatening, abusive, or discriminatory, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, ability, and/or sexual orientation.” As an independent supporters group for Austin FC, and a member of the Independent Supporters Council, Austin Anthem is committed to upholding these standards in the stands and will not tolerate abuse or discrimination in our membership or community.