Sarah Gorden Launches Foundation “HoodSpace”
Chicago Red Stars defender Sarah Gorden announced the launch of HoodSpace on Thursday, a foundation with a mission to help girls of color find their space of flow through meditation, yoga and sport.
HoodSpace is committed to providing the tools necessary to improve the lives of Chicago’s youth. The foundation believes that individuals should have an equal road to success and provides outlets to learn how to reach their full potential.
The non-profit was brought to life from Gorden’s passion to inspire today’s youth and show young girls an equal road to success.
“The goal of HoodSpace is to empower Black girls in our city,” said Gorden. “We’ve seen the trauma and violence systemic racism creates. HoodSpace provides different outlets to help process emotions and create presence and mindfulness. This in turn leads to healing and an empowered individual.”
For the city
As NWSL made its return to play in 2020 with the Challenge Cup, it did so with having to confront more than just a viral pandemic in COVID-19, the league and it’s clubs were presented with an opportunity to show solidarity with Black Lives Matter in light of recent calls to action and to honor of so many lives lost due to the hands of police violence.
The tournament saw some players and staff showing solidarity with Black Lives and engaging in peaceful protest, with Black players in the NWSL often looked to during the competition as leaders within their locker rooms due to such conversations and actions. The foundation of an eventual Black Players coalition was established, with Gorden being one of several Black athletes participating and engaging in its formation.
Throughout the tournament, Red Stars players took time to express their feelings on the Southside Trap podcast about representing Chicago and being away from the city while participating in the competition. Many players spoke about looking forward to returning and getting involved within communities.
Gorden’s non-profit organization is just the latest testament to the power and willingness of players who are giving back to the city which they represent.
Working together for each other
NWSL recently announced that a Fall Series would take place, giving the league an opportunity to continue playing matches in 2020, and released a partial schedule with the series kicking off this Saturday, Sept. 5. Chicago will open their Fall Series on Saturday, Sept. 12 against Washington Spirit, and will play their first game at SeatGeek Stadium in 2020 the following week against Sky Blue FC on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 12 pm CT.
Due to local guidelines, the match will not be played in front of fans, but devoted Red Stars fans will still have a chance to show their support to one of their long time home grown players looking to give back to underserved communities in Chicago.
In an effort to raise funds for HoodSpace, Chicago Red Stars supporters group Chicago Local 134 is participating in the launch by selling Air Gorden t-shirts. All proceeds directly benefit HoodSpace and can be purchased here.