Can We Kick It? debuted at The People’s Festival in Harlem as a new documentary focused on Black soccer stories, representation, and access to the sport. The film uses its Harlem premiere to spark a broader conversation about equity in soccer, especially as global attention builds around the World Cup.1
Sparking the Real Conversation: “Can We Kick It?” Documentary Premieres in Harlem
The opening night of The People’s Festival in Harlem brought a powerful new narrative to the screen at the AMC Magic Johnson Theater. Goalkeepers reporter Julia Fosah sat down with the director of the groundbreaking new documentary, Can We Kick It?, to discuss the film’s long-awaited debut and its mission to reshape the landscape of soccer in Black communities.
For the filmmaking team, the premiere marks the culmination of years of dedicated work. “It’s been a journey, but it’s kind of a—I can take a deep breath now,” the director shared, reflecting on the relief and excitement of finally sharing the project with a live audience.
A Lifelong Passion for the Pitch
The inspiration behind Can We Kick It? stems from a deeply rooted love for the game and a glaring gap in sports media [00:43]. Having grown up playing soccer, the filmmaker felt a strong passion for the sport but noticed a distinct lack of representation in mainstream storytelling.
With the upcoming World Cup on the horizon, the director foresaw the cultural relevance of this narrative nearly five years ago [00:48]. The documentary was born out of a critical necessity to intentionally document and elevate African-American soccer stories ahead of this massive global tournament.
Breaking Barriers: Can Soccer Rival Basketball and Football?
In American sports culture, basketball and football have traditionally reigned supreme as the top two athletic pathways for African-American youth [00:59]. When asked how soccer can break into that elite tier, the director highlighted two essential pillars:
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: The sport must do a fundamentally better job of intentionally inviting Black children into soccer spaces and breaking down financial and geographic barriers to entry.
- Iconic Representation: The youth need a modern, prominent figurehead to look up to—a cultural icon who can inspire them the way the legendary Pelé inspired older generations of players.
Capitalizing on Global Momentum
While the World Cup brings an undeniable surge of excitement, Can We Kick It? challenges the community to look at the bigger picture. The true test of growth lies in longevity [01:25].
“It’s really about what happens when the world leaves, right?”
The director emphasized that the push for equity and representation in soccer is not a passing trend. These critical discussions were happening long before the World Cup was awarded, and they must actively continue long after the tournament concludes [01:28]. Ultimately, the film treats the international tournament not as a destination, but as a cultural catalyst to spark a permanent, sustainable conversation about soccer in America [01:36].
To see the full interview and catch highlights from opening night, check out the coverage on the BEAR-TV | Morgan State University YouTube Channel.
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