INDIANAPOLIS — Tthe latest mini-pitch honoring members of Black Players for Change (“BPC”) and the Black Women’s Player Collective (“BWPC”) was officially unveiled at Oscar Charleston Park, 2800 E. 30th St. Joined by Mayor Joe Hogsett and representatives from Indy Parks, students from the KIPP Indy College Prep Middle School were part of the grand opening celebration. The mini-pitch is one of 12 being installed in communities of significance for members of BPC and BWPC, as part of a national partnership between the organizations, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, adidas, and Musco Lighting.
Aimed at removing systemic barriers to the sport for youth of color, the initiative focuses on installing mini-pitches in underserved areas that lack access to safe places to play. The mini-pitch at Oscar Charleston Park honors BPC member and former MLS player Ray Gaddis, an Indianapolis native and North Central High School graduate.
The mini-pitch also features colorful murals to celebrate the contributions of African-American trailblazers: late baseball Hall-of-Famer Oscar Charleston, former MLS player Ray Gaddis, retired goalkeeper and World Cup champion Briana Scurry; and the first female self-made millionaire Madam C.J. Walker. Using panels around the mini-pitch, artist Israel Solomon created murals of legends who have impacted the city and the soccer world. Other mural artists were Matthew Cooper, Ashley Nora, and Rebecca Robinson.
