This year athlete activism supporting social justice and calls for economic allyship have reached a crescendo. In August, Seattle Sounders FC announced the launch of, “We Are All Sounders,” to fight racism, defend the right to play, stand for LGBTQ+ equality and protect our planet.
Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Cristian Roldan is among the team’s players who are using their platforms to fight for equality. Roldan grew up in California and his parents are originally from Guatemala and El Salvador. He attended the University of Washington, and joined the Seattle Sounders FC in 2019.
His call to support local Black businesses caught our attention and so we reached out to learn more about why it’s important to him that we all #SpendLikeItMatters.
“It’s important to help out Black owned restaurants and businesses because these owners may not of had the running start that others may have had. Additionally, we need to continue to support our local restaurants to grow our economy. We can make a difference by starting here in our own backyard. Let’s do it together.”
– Cristian Roldan
We asked Roldan about his favorite Seattle Black-owned businesses, and his (intentional) list includes:
Plum Bistro #BlackOwned #WomanOwned
Treat yourself to the plant-based magic of chef and owner, Makini Howell.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Pams Kitchen #BlackOwned #WomanOwned
Enjoy the bold flavors of Pam Jacob’s Trinidadian fare and her penchant for hospitality.
Neighborhood: Wallingford
JuneBaby #BlackOwned
Southern food by Edouardo Jordan that honors the people and stories behind it.
Neighborhood: Ravenna
Athletes like Cristian Roldan remind us that they are so much more than the sport that they play, and that the fight for social justice is bigger than a game. The small businesses at the heart of our communities remind us that they are so much more that the products and services they sell, and that the fight for a more connected, inclusive economy demands that we all #SpendLikeItMatters.
Thanks for all that you do to #SpendLikeItMatters! Discover awesome brick + mortar small businesses in your community, suggest your favorites, and be sure that you’re following us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter).
Intentionalist is your local guide to small businesses and the diverse people behind them. We believe that where you spend your money matters, and we’re sure glad you do too! Whether you identify as a localist, activist, or just a good neighbor, we make it easy for you to connect with, learn about, and support small businesses in your community through everyday decisions about where you eat, drink, and shop.