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.

Tweet by Cristian Roldan that reads "BLM" above a picture of the Seattle Sounders FC team, many of whom are wearing Black Lives Matter t-shirts.

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
Seattle Sounders midfielder, Cristian Roldan pumps his fist with a smile.
Image courtesy of LA Galaxy Communications

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 (InstagramFacebookTwitter).

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.

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