Jimmy Banks: The Unsung Hero of U.S. Soccer

MILWAUKEE – The story of Jimmy Banks, often called the “Jackie Robinson of U.S. Soccer,” remains largely untold. Breaking barriers was Banks’s superpower from the moment he took up the sport in Milwaukee’s Westlawn housing projects. He stuck with it, becoming the first American-born Black player to compete in the World Cup alongside teammate Desmond Armstrong. After retiring from professional soccer, Jimmy could have gone anywhere but chose to dedicate his time to coaching underserved kids in his hometown. Tragically, Jimmy passed away in 2019 at the age of 54 from cancer. Learn more about Jimmy’s story here.

Now, the Friends of Jimmy Banks are striving to keep his legacy alive. The group consists of dedicated community volunteers who recently renamed Custer Stadium at Obama High School to the Jimmy Banks Memorial Stadium. They aim to raise $40,000 for a public mural in his memory at the stadium and to provide scholarships for local kids.

Banks once said, “When I leave this world, I want to be able to say that I’ve done something for someone. I think by helping these kids, teaching them good values, not only teaching but motivating — if I can do that, I’ve done my job.”

Tia Richardson, the celebrated artist in charge of the ambitious 16’ x 12’ mural, most recently completed a commemorative mural for Milwaukee Jazz legend Al Jarreau. She often invites curious onlookers to join her in the painting of her large-scale designs, spurring community involvement. This mural will be a source of inspiration and representation, especially for the children in Jimmy’s old neighborhood, offering them a tangible connection to his legacy.

Jimmy Banks’ U.S. soccer story is a testament to the importance of challenging the status quo and the resulting progress that can only occur from working to create a more inclusive future for younger generations.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.