Goals Beyond The Game Brings Art, Soccer, Culture, and Community Together at JMAC

WORCESTER — Goals Beyond The Game was more than an event. It was a reminder of what happens when community, culture, creativity, and purpose come together in one space.

Held at the Jean McDonough Arts Center, also known as JMAC, Goals Beyond The Game brought people together through the global language of soccer and the power of art. The event created a space where artists of African descent could be seen, heard, celebrated, and understood — not just through their artwork, but through their stories.

For What’s Up Worcester, being part of this event as a media sponsor was an honor. It was also a reminder of the responsibility that comes with telling community stories the right way. During the event, Deborah “Deb” Hall shared something that stayed with us. She told us to be the news outlet that our community needs.

That message matters.

Because Worcester does not only need coverage when something goes wrong. Worcester needs coverage when people are building, creating, organizing, mentoring, inspiring, and opening doors for others. Worcester needs stories that show the full picture of who we are.

Goals Beyond The Game was one of those stories.

The event highlighted several talented artists of African descent, each bringing their own voice, experience, and creative vision to the exhibition. The featured artists included Abu Mwenye, Beverly Amapaw, Claudio Eshun, also known as Don Claude, Elijah Nguli, Emmanuel Carboo, also known as Qlynton, Ice Brown, and Ivana Lamptey, also known as Ivey.

Each artist brought something powerful to the room. Their work reflected identity, heritage, imagination, memory, and culture. Together, the exhibition became more than a collection of art on the walls. It became a gathering place for stories, connection, and pride.

One of the most inspiring parts of the event was seeing Beverly Amapaw, the youngest artist featured in the exhibition at just 14 years old. Her presence was a reminder that young artists deserve real opportunities to be recognized and supported. To see her work presented alongside other gifted artists was a powerful example of what can happen when young people are given space to grow, create, and shine.

As part of the event, What’s Up Worcester produced artist spotlight videos that were presented during the exhibition. The videos, done by Jerry Filmore, gave attendees the opportunity to hear directly from the artists about their creative journeys, inspirations, and the meaning behind their work.

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Those videos were important because they helped bring the audience closer to the artists. People were not only looking at the finished pieces; they were also hearing the heart behind them. They were able to connect with the people, the process, and the purpose behind the art.

Throughout the evening, attendees viewed the exhibition, watched the artist spotlight videos, heard from community leaders, and celebrated the creative voices that made Goals Beyond The Game so meaningful. Mayor Joe Petty was also in attendance, showing support for an event that reflected the strength and diversity of Worcester’s creative community.

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Another powerful moment came when Deborah “Deb” Hall, CEO of YWCA Central Massachusetts, located at 1 Salem Square in Worcester, received the Cultural Trailblazer Award. The award recognized her extraordinary leadership and lifelong dedication to elevating artists of African descent, preserving Black history, and creating spaces where culture, creativity, and community can thrive.

Kwaku delivered an inspirational speech about Deb and the impact she has had on the people around her. His words honored her leadership, her influence, and the way she has helped open doors for others. The moment was emotional because it was bigger than an award. It was about legacy. It was about giving flowers to someone who has poured into the community and helped create pathways for others to move forward.

Kwaku also spoke about the importance of community support and the role of The Village Worcester, located at 4 King Street in Worcester. He recognized The Village Worcester, including Sha-Asia Medina and Parlee Jones, as part of the village that inspired, supported, and looked out for Kwaku and Kwame as they worked to bring Goals Beyond The Game to life.

That part of the night spoke to the truth behind so much community work: it is never done alone. Events like this take vision, but they also take people who believe in that vision. They take mentors, supporters, spaces, organizers, families, artists, and community members who show up and help carry the mission forward.

That village energy could be felt throughout the night.

Goals Beyond The Game was not only about soccer. It was not only about art. It was about using both as a bridge to connect people, uplift stories, celebrate culture, and create something meaningful for the city.

It was about honoring the artists. It was about recognizing the people who helped make the event possible. It was about celebrating the role of The Village Worcester, YWCA Central Massachusetts, What’s Up Worcester, the organizers, supporters, families, and city leaders who came together around a shared purpose.

Most importantly, it was about showing what Worcester looks like when community shows up for culture, creativity, and each other.

For What’s Up Worcester, this is the kind of story we are committed to telling. Stories that remind people that our city is full of talent, leadership, history, youth, creativity, and love. Stories that make people feel seen. Stories that reflect the community with care.

Goals Beyond The Game gave Worcester a beautiful example of what is possible when people believe in art, culture, and community.

We love our city.

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