Thousands of people across the country rallied in solidarity to support black trans-rights, Sunday.  

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Black transgender activist Raquel Willis explained the movement to CNN in an interview: "This collective of folks is particularly powerful because it's modeling what is possible when you do have allies and folks who do care and also want to make sure that they're building something that speaks to the hearts of the actual people that they're representing," she said. "So often that doesn't happen." 

Willis led the crowd in New York City in a chant during the protest saying "I believe in my power," while the crowd echoed the words back. "I believe in your power. I believe in our power. I believe in black trans power."

Melania Brown, the sister of Layleen Xtravaganza Cubilette-Polanco, a black transgender inmate at Rikers Island who died last year, spoke to the same crowd as well.

"Black trans lives matter," she said. "My sister's life mattered. All of the loved ones we have lost, all of these beautiful girls that we have lost. There lives matter. We have to protect them."

"We can't just talk about trans people when they're dying," Eliel Cruz, one of the co-organizers of the event, explained to CNN. "But what are we doing actively and intentionally to create space for them to be safe and well?"

The NFL Owners are set to vote on the continuation of a licensing exclusivity deal with EA Sports next week. The deal would lock in the Madden franchise as the exclusive home of the virtual NFL through the 2026 season.

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Senior NFL Reporter Albert Breer detailed the specifics of the agreement on Twitter: "People have asked if EA Sports' deal will be exclusive. Here's the language: 'the exclusive right to manufacture, market and distribute NFL-themed realistic action simulation video games.'

"Rights are non-exclusive on 'arcade-style games, youth games, and casual/mobile games.'"

2K Sports announced they've reached a multiyear agreement with the NFL in March; however, no specifics regarding the type of games 2K aims to make have been released.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explained the context surrounding the situation this week writing, "EA Sports absorbed plenty of criticism for shutting down the 2K series, which many gamers preferred to Madden. There also have been concerns that the lack of competition has prompted EA to become complacent when it comes to innovating the Madden game."

EA first purchased exclusive rights to produce NFL games in 2004. Prior to that, both companies released NFL games annually. 

The vote will take place during next week's virtual owners meeting.