Scoring a Goal for Black Businesses: Intentionlist Launches Special Edition 'Buy Black Card' in Time for Summer Soccer Festivities
City Councilmember Dionne Foster, Simply Soulful co-owner Lillian Rambus, Intentionalist founder Laura Clise, Black Players for Change executive director Allen Hopkins Jr., Creative Lou founder and multidisciplinary artist Damon Brown, Alicia Teel, Deputy Director of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, Boon Boona Coffee founder and CEO Efrem Fesaha. (Photo: Omari Salisbury)
SEATTLE, WA — June 13, 2026 — On a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon, the historic corner of 23rd and Jackson in Seattle’s Central District was buzzing with community spirit, soccer energy, and a shared mission of economic inclusion. Gathered right outside the beloved local restaurant Simply Soulful, community leaders, elected officials, and sports executives officially corporate-partnered to unveil the Special Edition Buy Black Card. Timed perfectly for the upcoming Juneteenth celebrations and the arrival of the massive global soccer spotlight in Seattle, this prepaid card offers a direct, tangible way for residents and visitors alike to invest in local Black-owned small businesses.
Lillian Rambus, co-owner, Simply Soulful. (Photo: Omari Salisbury)
A Powerful Partnership with a Lasting Legacy
The special edition card marks a multi-year partnership between Intentionalist, a platform focused on intentionally supporting local businesses, and Black Players for Change (BPC), an organization of over 200 Black players, coaches, staff, and executives within Major League Soccer dedicated to anti-discrimination and equality. This initiative marks the third consecutive year that the two organizations have joined forces to encourage consumers to "Eat, Drink, Shop Black".
Allen Hopkins Jr., Executive Director of Black Payers for Change. (Photo: Omari Salisbury)
According to Allen Hopkins Jr., Executive Director of BPC, the goal for the 2026 soccer tournament season goes far beyond temporary excitement. "We've heard so much about the economic impact, we started really thinking practically, pragmatically about what we can do to ensure that these amazing small businesses had every opportunity to enjoy the momentum, the light that the World Cup brings," Hopkins shared during the press conference. He described the card as a way to create a "flywheel of opportunity," planting economic seeds that will continue to grow and nurture the community for years to come.
Making Dollars Go Further: How the Card Works
The Buy Black Card is usable exclusively at nearly 150 Black-owned brick-and-mortar businesses spanning Greater Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Issaquah, and beyond. In a time when post-pandemic recovery remains challenging for small businesses and affordability is a chief concern for consumers, the card introduces an innovative solution:
20% Sponsored Boost: Thanks to generous underwriting from the BECU Foundation, Symetra, and the Central Area Collaborative, community members enjoy 20% more purchasing impact when buying the card.
Keeping Businesses Whole: While customers benefit from a discounted rate that makes their dollars stretch further, the participating businesses receive the full value of the purchase, ensuring their bottom lines are completely supported.
Widespread Impact: Cardholders can spend their funds at diverse locations ranging from neighborhood staple Simply Soulful to regional favorites like Boon Boona Coffee.
Efrem Fesaha, CEO and founder of Boon Boona Coffee. (Photo: Omari Salisbury)
Efrem Fesaha, CEO and founder of Boon Boona Coffee, emphasized that the card serves as an open invitation to explore the rich tapestry of Black culture across Washington state. "As the world comes to celebrate this beautiful sport, I hope you all take time to remember, and the best way to experience our communities is by investing in them," Fasaha noted.
Capturing the Energy of the Game
A major highlight of the afternoon was the official unveiling of the card's stunning, custom artwork. Designed by acclaimed Seattle multidisciplinary artist Damon Brown, who also goes by "Creative Lou," the illustration was specifically crafted to channel the vibrant spirit of soccer.
"The inspiration was meant to capture the energy and the dynamic movement of the game of soccer as the World Cup comes to our city and inspire people to come and buy black, come visit the black neighborhood that we have that's left and purchase some of our stuff," Brown explained during an interview.
Brown’s previous work includes prominent public art installations, murals for local media studios, and design collaborations for fire stations and the Seattle Seahawks. Funding and support for the card's unique artwork were proudly provided by the City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development.
City Leadership Rallies Behind Economic Equity
Local officials turned out in full force to support the initiative, recognizing it as a critical tool for community preservation amidst rapid urban change and displacement. Alicia Teel, Deputy Director of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, highlighted that long-term small business survival requires more than just government grants. "Keeping these businesses going is much more than just city investment," Teel said. "It also depends on people walking through the door... how can we drive more foot traffic to these businesses that are struggling?"
Seattle City Council Member Dionne Foster. (Photo: Omari Salisbury)
Seattle City Councilmember Dionne Foster (Position 9) echoed these sentiments, expressing a deep sense of cultural responsibility. As one of three Black councilmembers representing the city, Foster noted the personal significance of showing up for the historic Central District neighborhood. "Right now we have a lot of people coming to visit our city, and eyes on our city, and this is a really important opportunity to get to showcase and center black businesses, who are in many ways the heart of our city," Foster stated.
As the global soccer community descends upon Washington this summer, the Buy Black Card stands as a shining example of how sports, art, corporate philanthropy, and grassroots activism can unite to ensure that local communities thrive on the world stage.
To purchase a card or view a list of participating businesses, community members can visit Intentionalist.com or BlackPlayersForChange.org.
Artwork by Damon Brown pka Creative Lou
