Norfolk FA Black History Month

Black History Month 2020

Norfolk FA
Norfolk FA urges the Norfolk Football community to support and celebrate Black History Month as it returns for 2020

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2020

Norfolk FA urges the Norfolk Football community to support and celebrate Black History Month as it returns for 2020. 

Taking place through the month of October, Black History Month gives us the opportunity to reflect on one of the most crucial societal issues of our time.  

An introduction from Ken D'Rosario - the Chair of our Inclusion Strategy Advisory Group (ISAG):

"Today is the start of Black History Month, but we must begin by saying black history is every day."

"From the moment the first black or ethnically diverse person was introduced to our country, right up to the support for the Black Lives Matter campaign, black and ethnically diverse culture has shaped our history. Please take time to visit the mentioned websites and the many more, that celebrate and educate us all on how black and ethnically diverse cultures have blended to make our country what it is today."

USEFUL RESOURCES

The widest range of information and resources regarding BHM can be found on the official BHM website: https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/ 

In addition, on a local level you can also see what Norfolk is doing to celebrate by visiting: https://www.norfolkblackhistorymonth.org/.

With Covid-19 restrictions in mind, the specific event section details a number of online events including the opportunity to purchase a scarf celebrating the life of ex-Norwich City Footballer Justin Fashanu.

The the Black History for Schools website: www.blackhistory4schools.com website may also be of interest, including as specific document relating to Black Footballers www.blackhistory4schools.com/20century/blackfootballers.pdf.

THE FA & NORFOLK FA

The FA released a statement from Mark Bullingham on Wednesday where the CEO of The FA spoke of the Association's commitment to fighting for equal opportunities across football.

Bullingham spoke of The FA's policies, plans and procedures as well as highlighting the importance of continuing to do more: "We are moving in the right direction, but we know that this is just the start of the journey. When we finalise our next four-year strategy later this year, diversity, inclusion and anti-discrimination will continue to take centre stage."

Read the full statement here:  https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/sep/30/mark-bullingham-writes-on-black-history-month-300920

"As guardians of the game, we have a responsibility to lead from the front, using the power of football to help drive positive change, both on and off the pitch. We are committed to making positive change happen."

- Mark Bullingham, CEO of The FA


In addition, on Tuesday Paul Elliot, Chair of The FA's Inclusion Advisory Board, gave an update on the Football Leadership Diversity Code. Elliot spoke of how the code will signal a change to the country and ensure that football better represents society: 

"Our fight for equality across all levels of football, and our desire to ensure it is a game free from discrimination – both on and off the pitch – will not end."

"We want to drive the nation’s response to inequality by ensuring boardrooms and leadership positions across our national sport better reflect the society we live in and the people who play the game. It will signal a change to the country and ensure that our support of the message that Black Lives Matter is not an empty gesture."

Read the full statement here: https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/sep/29/football-equality-leadership-diversity-code-update-paul-elliott-290920

Much like The FA, whilst Norfolk FA is an apolitical organisation, we stand together with The FA in their support of the Black Lives Matter message and share the belief that it is wholly unacceptable to treat Black people disadvantageously because of the colour of their skin. 

We took part in #BlackOutTuesday in June and will continue to stand firm against all types of discrimination. Just as we specifically promote campaigns like Rainbow Laces to support the LGBTQ community, we fully support the ongoing fight against racism.

"From the moment the first black or ethnically diverse person was introduced to our country, right up to the support for the Black Lives Matter campaign, black and ethnically diverse culture has shaped our history."

- Ken D'Rosario, Chair of the Norfolk FA Inclusion Strategy Advisory Group (ISAG)