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Experiencing “Culture in Action” from Access Charleston Editor's viewpoint. As many of you know this is literally my first event attended in Charleston, SC. I so enjoyed the festive atmosphere I stayed for the entire event. This was a very well attended event and actually I was able to experience the love and the patience this organization has with the youth.
Board of Directors
- Vincent Ashby Jr. – President
- Nicole Ashby – Vice President
- Alex Ziegler – Secretary
- Sacha Bailey – Board Member
- Tansa Ayazgok – Treasurer
- Leah María Suárez – Board Member
- Lerone Johnson – Board Member
- John Wilson – Board Member
- Chenitta Singleton – Board Member
These are the values that we adhere to as an organization.
We operate on the 7 African Principles, based in the Kwanzaa tradition and value system.
UMOJA: Unity
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race
KUJICHAGULIA: Self-Determination
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves
UJIMA: Collective Work & Responsibility
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together
UJAMAA: Cooperative Economics
To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other buisnesses and profit from them together
NIA: Purpose
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness
KUUMBA: Creativity
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than be inherited it
IMANI: Faith
To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Our History
The organization, often referred to as “Lil’ Peles” was founded in the summer of 1981 with the spirit of Harambe, was established to serve as a vehicle for structured activities that would help channel the energy of the area’s youth in a positive direction by using the game of soccer.
A few parents from the Robert Mills Housing Project asked several community activists to provide positive after-school activities for their children. Juvenile arrests were on the rise and the game of soccer arose as an alternative activity.
Osei Chandler, Cito Lindsay, Leatha Mae Simmons and Jerome Smalls paved the way for minorities in the Charleston area to not only play the game (of soccer) but become productive successful citizens of the community.
- The secret to the success of this club is ‘unity’, in the spirit of Harambee. All pull together.
Osei Chandler
Co-Founder, Ebony City Soccer
Since its inception, many of the organization’s members (players) have attended and graduated from post-secondary institutions. Ebony City Soccer Club has produced winners of multiple tournaments and state championships. The tradition continues today.
Our Motto
Fair play together. Undeniable champions forever.
Ebony City Soccer Club and Youth Development Program provides a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for youth in marginalized communities to learn life skills through the game of soccer, in the Charleston, SC area. Our mission is to foster the positive development of young people through athletics and social, cultural and educational avenues.
Donate
By giving a monthly gift, you will help provide the organization with funds to help cover operational costs.
Deal Direct With Your Generous Donations
