Black History Month is more than a moment on the calendar. It is a time for reflection, education, and gratitude. Alongside his passion for soccer and learning, Bolu Akinyode also proudly embraces his Nigerian roots.
“Coming from Nigeria and then moving to the U.S., Black History Month means a lot to me,” Akinyode said. “It is about relearning history and learning about people who paved the way to give me the opportunities I have today and the freedoms and rights I have. It means a whole lot to me.”
Lessons That Started in the Classroom
Growing up, Akinyode’s understanding of black history was shaped early in the classroom. He credits his seventh-grade social studies teacher who made learning about Black leaders and changemakers a constant priority, not something limited to February.
“I remember learning about Thurgood Marshall and doing a whole presentation on him and the Brown v. Board of Education case,” Akinyode recalled. “That was big for me because it was new, and she kept reminding us about these stories even after Black History Month ended. It was very eye-opening at a young age.”
Those lessons planted seeds that continue to influence how Akinyode sees himself, his career, and his responsibility as an athlete.
Seeing Yourself in the Game
In the intense and competitive world of soccer, representation has played an equally powerful role in helping Akinyode visualize and shape his dreams. As a young fan, the ability to see players who looked like him and shared similar backgrounds and experiences to him gave Akinyode the confidence to believe that he could also become a professional athlete one day.
“When you look at the screen or go to games as a kid, you want to see people that look like you,” he said. “I remember when I was younger, Freddy Adu was a big player. The fact that he was Black, has an African background, and came to the U.S. gave me something to aspire to.”
Using Sports as a Platform for Change
Akinyode believes sports, and entertainment as a whole, provide one of the biggest platforms for amplifying black voices, increasing representation, and inspiring change on national, or even global, scales.
“People turn to sports when they have had a good day or a bad day. When they see Black athletes, it gives you a platform,” he said. “Whether you’re fighting social injustice or just sharing a message, people will listen because you are such a big part of their lives in ways you do not even realize.”
LeBron James is one of Akinyode’s biggest role models for this very reason. Since 2020, James has made an on-going dedicated effort to increase African American communities’ understanding of their voting rights, launching an advocacy group and national campaign to fight voter suppression.
“How he carries himself, not just on the court, but off the court, is huge,” said Akinyode. “The way he is with his family, the things he has built, the schools… he’s accomplished his goals and now he is helping others realize theirs. That is a great example for all black athletes.”
Carrying History Forward Every Day
As Loudoun United FC recognizes Black History Month, Akinyode’s story reflects the power of representation, the importance of education, and the impact of those who paved the way. Through his journey, he continues to carry forward the lessons of the past while building a future that inspires the next generation. For Akinyode, continuing to honor Black history means keeping education and conversation alive year-round.
“When you learn about your history and the people that came before you, you understand your present and what your future is supposed to look like,” Akinyode explained. “It is an everyday thing, constant learning and constant conversation. We all have access to information: Google, phones, computers, and using these tools helps broaden your mind and open you up to different cultures. At the end of the day, we’re all human, and our cultures are more similar than we think.”
