ClubLFC celebrates Black History Month
Liverpool FC is celebrating Black History Month throughout October with a variety of activity that highlights black history and the importance of racial equality to its staff, players and fans.
Black History Month, which takes place from October 1 to 31, recognises the contribution and achievements of the black community around the world, and provides an opportunity for people to learn more about – and challenge – everyday racism and negative stereotypes.
This year, the Reds will mark Black History Month, as part of its Red Together programme, with a series of thought-provoking discussions, events and educational workshops.
This includes a candid discussion between LFC legend John Barnes and fan Tony Excell, who experienced racism as a youngster at Anfield. Tony and John discuss the long-term impact that this event had on Tony, as well as the wider issue of racism in modern society today. You can watch their conversation in full in the video below.
Video: John Barnes hears Tony's story
A virtual roundtable event on racial equality and inclusion, featuring former players from LFC, Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins, also took place earlier this month for club staff.
LFC Foundation, with support from the Anthony Walker Foundation, will deliver Black History Month and hate crime awareness workshops to more than 500 youngsters in local schools and community hubs throughout October. An U14s football tournament and educational workshop at the National Football Museum will also take place with Premier League Kicks participants.
U12s and U13s at the Academy will learn about the positive impact diversity has had on the club’s heritage and success. The young players will visit the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool and will also take part in a Q&A with Liverpool’s first black player Howard Gayle and former LFC and England player Michael Thomas.
This weekend’s fixture with Manchester City at Anfield will be dedicated to the Premier League’s ‘No Room For Racism’ campaign. LFC, along with other Premier League clubs, will highlight their ongoing commitment to tackling discrimination and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, with players taking the knee ahead of kick-off.
LFC is also supporting Open Media UK’s Black History Month campaign, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Shanice van de Sanden both discussing their black role models and sources of inspiration.
Rishi Jain, senior equality, diversity and inclusion manager at Liverpool FC, said: “As a club we look to promote the importance of racial equality all year round as part of our Red Together programme, which strives to drive out all forms of discrimination to ensure everyone feels welcome at LFC.
“Black History Month does provide us with a platform to celebrate and highlight the invaluable contribution that the black community has had on the success and history of our club, which we are immensely proud of. It also allows us to amplify our message to fans and the wider football community to play their part by challenging hate and discrimination, which has no place in sport or society.”