JUNE 2022
This month, and every month, the Mystics have been using their collective voices to change the construct of the community for the better. In the District of Change we strive to be a force for impactful change on all fronts because we understand the subjects that have our city in a divide. Each month, we aim to bring the community together in new ways through representation and supporting everyone’s voice and in June, we are doing just that.
June is Pride Month, and the Mystics are passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community. We continuously strive to empower the LGBTQ+ community and educate our community in the process. Our team is proud of who we are, and we want everyone to feel the same regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation. We celebrate and support of the LGBTQ+ community every day and this month, fans can join in on the celebration during Pride Weekend. Some of the event will include:
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- Saturday, June 11 – Capital Pride Alliance Pride Parade – 3pm
- Sunday, June 12 – Capital Pride Alliance Pride Festival – 12pm to 7pm
- Sunday, June 12 – Mystics Pride Night Presented by Capital One – 6pm
Throughout this month, the Mystics also want to shine a light on WNBA player, Brittney Griner. Our efforts will continue by leveraging our platforms to change how the media and society views female athletes and the LGBTQ+ community. The Mystics are participating in the Brittney Griner Heart & Sole Shoe Drive. Fans can donate new or gently worn shoes, in Brittney’s name, during home games against the Phoenix Mercury on June 12 and 14. Fans that can’t attend the games can also make a contribution online.
In the District of Change, the Mystics are making sure to impact their communities and fans in our own back yard and one way is through the District of Change Artist Collection. The program gives people throughout the year, chances to show their creativity and gives them an opportunity to use their voices. The District of Change Artist Collection initiative gives local artist the spotlight to show their designs through T-shirts. The 2022 Pride Collection Tee, the newest design, will be unveiled and available beginning June 12.
Another thing the Mystics have been doing this season is exposing our fans to different Mentor group under our Mystics Mentor Program. This inaugural program works to match-up Mystics fans with 9 different local mentoring partners in need of mentors and role models. During games, throughout the season, these different Mentor groups will have displays on the concourse area to explain more about their mission and allow you to meet some of the professionals who work to make these groups successful. These mentor groups work with children in the D.C. area to set examples and give guidance by making connections.
The Mystics Assist DC Program returns in 2022 and will continue to partner with College Track Ward 8 to create paths for children in Ward 8 get into college. College Track Ward 8 looks to serve students in the community who want to continue their education into college and beyond. With the success of last season, the Mystics Assist DC Program is back to help more students across Ward 8. For every assist made by a Mystics player this season, a monetary contribution will be donated to College Track Ward 8.
The Mystics have used the District of Change to also grow the female athletic experience and put emphasis on gender equity. To celebrate 50 years of Title IX, the Washington Mystics have joined forces with three other professional women’s sports teams in D.C., DC Shadow, the Washington Spirit, and the DC Divas, to form the Washington Coalition of Women’s Professional Sports. The coalition launched their first initiative this year, alongside Leveling the Playing Field, for the WCWPS Sports Bra Collection Drive. The collection drive initiative will conclude June 12th. So, you still have time to bring new sports bras out to Entertainment & Sports Arena during our upcoming game on June 12 against the Phoenix Mercury.
District of Change is a way to make a mark on the community and make a difference in the world around us. Each month the Mystics will make changes and create real opportunities for the city to fight for gender equality, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Mystics District of Change Recap
The Wear Orange Game from Friday, June 3, was an annual theme games where the Mystics showed their support for gun safety and spread awareness on the gun epidemic in the country. The Mystics partnered with Everytown to share important information with fans and shine a light on what actions to take to make a difference in the fight to end gun violence.
During the Wear Orange game, the Mystics also partnered with the Soul Box Project, as they honored the souls of those lost to gun violence. The Soul Box Project raises awareness of the U.S. gunfire epidemic by exhibiting thousands of hand-folded origami Soul Boxes representing victims. During the game, fans had the opportunity to get in on the action and design their own Soul Box and display it in our concourse at Entertainment and Sports Arena.
The Washington Mystics, Capitals, Wizards, Nationals, Commanders, Spirit, and D.C. Shadow also announced an initial donation of more than $85,000 to Everytown for Gun Safety to support Everytown for Gun Safety’s Community Safety Fund, providing direct investment, peer convenings and capacity building to community-based violence intervention programs. The Mystics have been a proud supporter of Everytown for Gun Safety since 2019 and are founding members of the Everytown Athletic Council. All teams will use their social media networks and outreach to fans to encourage them to learn more and donate to the fund, which can be found here.
Wear Orange Weekend has come to an end, but you can still get information and find out where to show your support through Everytown’s website.
