Galvanizing the Black community: Black Herons, Inter Miami’s first Black supporters’ group

Black Herons has created a space for the fans that are already coming to games. Now their plan is to reach out to those who aren’t. Scott describes Miami as a city influenced by the African diaspora with strong ties to Caribbean and African countries, including countries and cultures that oftentimes have a passionate connection to soccer. The SG wants to offer a chance for those connected to those countries and cultures to see themselves represented within Inter Miami.

There are hopes of going into Miami neighborhoods like Little Haiti and Liberty City and finding ways to show its residents that there is a place for them within Miami’s soccer ecosystem. That could mean hosting watch parties at Black-owned restaurants in the area or maybe even hosting an event with an Inter Miami player or two.

“I grew up playing soccer. I always felt like I was one of one, two or three Black people on the team. I always felt alone or just underrepresented. I would watch the national team and I, again, would only see one or two or three Black players on the pitch,” Scott said. “So bringing Black Inter Miami players to these communities will show the kids ‘Oh, okay. There are Black players right here on my local team.’ That’s more reason to support the team which of course is a mutual benefit for the club and the supporters.”