Black History Month at Cal Meets John Barnes & the Beautiful Game

In honor of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, Cal Athletics DEIBJ and Cal Soccer are pleased to invite our campus, Berkeley and Bay Area community to a special experience at the intersection of the beautiful game of soccer, Black History, World Cup 2026, and the visit of Liverpool FC Legend John Barnes!

This signature Cal Athletics + Bay Area event will bring together student-athletes, campus partners, and the broader soccer family for an evening of conversation, connection, and community. Barnes will reflect on his historic career, his book The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism (2022), and his experiences as a trailblazer in global football, while exploring the impact of Black leadership in the sport.

The program will feature a dynamic panel of Bay Area soccer leaders across professional, collegiate, and community spaces, offering perspectives on representation, social impact, and the future of the game in the U.S. Attendees can expect a lively fireside-style discussion, opportunities for audience Q&A, and a pre-program happy hour to connect with fellow fans and partners.

This event is part of a broader vision to elevate Black voices in soccer and build momentum toward World Cup 2026 through education, storytelling, and community engagement.

• Student-athletes and coaches
• Soccer fans and supporters
• Sports industry professionals
• Community leaders and organizers
• Anyone interested in Black history, sport, and social impact
• UC Berkeley Students, Faculty, Staff and Administrators

• Hear directly from a global football icon
• Celebrate Black History Month through sport
• Connect with the Bay Area soccer community
• Learn about leadership, representation, and the future of football
• Be part of the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026

Presented by:
Cal Athletics DEIBJ Office x Cal Soccer

In collaboration with:

• SF Liverpool Supporters Club
• Black Players for Change
• San Jose Earthquakes
• Oakland Roots

Address: University Club (8th Floor) California Memorial Stadium, UC Berkeley
Public Transit: BART to Downtown Berkeley + short bus/rideshare/walk
Parking: Underhill Parking Facility & Stadium Garage campus garages (paid)

Cal Athletics is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience. The venue is ADA accessible. For accommodation requests, please contact the event organizers ([email protected]) in advance.

Follow:
@CalDEIBJ | @CalAthletics | @CalMSoc | @olscsfbay

Hashtags:
#BarnesToBerkeley #BlackHistoryMonth #WC2026 #CalAthletics #BayAreaSoccer #ACCALerate | #CaliforniaLove

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