Sun announce formation of ‘Change Can’t Wait’ platform

The Connecticut Sun announced Friday the formation of “Change Can't Wait,” a social reform platform to fight racism and inequality experienced by black communities across Connecticut and New England.

“What's happening in our country right now is not a moment. This is a movement,” Sun vice president Amber Cox said in a release from the WNBA franchise. “We need sustained action to eliminate racism once and for all. I heard that loud and clear from our players. This is going to require uncomfortable conversations and challenging the status quo in everything we do and say. Our organization is ready to take a leadership role in this effort.

“As the leader of the Sun, it is my job to provide platforms to amplify the voices and actions of our players on topics they are passionate about. WNBA players — 80 percent of which are black women — have always been leaders in social change, including in the fight against racism. Quite frankly, the formation of this platform is long overdue.”

“Change Can't Wait” will focus on areas such as education, voting resources and community engagement. The Sun launched a resource page on its website, www.connecticutsun.com/change, which lists the organization's mission, black-owned businesses, recommended reading and links to advocacy groups.

The Sun will create an advisory board composed of black leaders, educators and business owners to help shape the organization's outreach and action. The team's players, coaches and select Mohegan Sun staff will be asked to take part. The team will also hold a “Change Can't Wait” game beginning in 2021 to share stories of social injustice, promote black-owned businesses and organizations, and ways for fans to support the program's mission.

“We felt today – Juneteenth – a day with so much meaning for the black community, was the right day to debut our plan forward,” Cox said. “We have a lot of work to do to develop each area of focus, but action is key, and this announcement is the first step. Now we get to work, and we don't stop until racism is no longer something we need to talk about.”

The Sun won't play any games this season at Mohegan Sun Arena due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The WNBA recently announced it will begin a shortened 22-game season next month and play all of its game, without fans, at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.