Black History Month is a time of reflection for many, and that certainly applies to Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Tosaint Ricketts.
The 33-year-old veteran, who’s entering his sixth MLS season, hopes that this period encourages more people to seek room for growth. Ricketts is from Edmonton, Alberta and has 17 goals in 61 appearances with Canada’s national team. During his MLS career, Ricketts has 16 goals and three assists in 75 games (28 starts).
“Being from Canada, you don’t really grow up learning about American history as much,” Ricketts said. “But as you get older, you start to realize the meaning of Black History Month. It’s okay to speak about it, it’s okay to feel uncomfortable because that’s what it takes to learn, that’s what it takes to grow.”
As conversations around racial issues have intensified over the past year, Ricketts is encouraged by the progress being made. It’s an ongoing evolution, though.
“For me, it means that people are willing to learn,” Ricketts said. “Awareness is growing, people are seeing injustices that have happened. They’re starting to realize that things have to change.”
You can hear his additional thoughts on Black History Month above, plus more from other MLS figures here.
