As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting equality and celebrating diversity, Lincolnshire FA partnered with Lincoln City Football Club to host a memorable event honoring Black History Month.

This October, we joined forces to highlight the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of the Black community within football and beyond.

The celebration kicked off during Lincoln City’s home match against Birmingham City on Saturday, 19th October. In collaboration with the EFL’s Together Against Racism campaign, Lincoln City proudly promoted unity among fans, players, and clubs in the fight against racism. This initiative emphasises the collective dedication to equality both on and off the pitch, underscoring the importance of a shared commitment to tackling discrimination in football.

An Inspiring Black History Month Event in the Legends Lounge

The following day, on Sunday, 20th October, the festivities continued with a special event at the Branston Legends Lounge, featuring an engaging art exhibition and panel discussion. The event, hosted in collaboration with Lincoln Embracing All Nations and the Redeemed Christian Church of God, provided a platform to celebrate local artistic talent and explore important themes around heritage and identity.

The highlight of the day was the panel discussion, expertly hosted by Lincolnshire FA’s Zack Leader. This featured Lincoln City defender Tendayi Darikwa, former Imps legends Jason Lee and Gavin Gordon, and grassroots referee Michael Howard. Each panelist brought unique insights and shared their experiences, providing the audience with a powerful and personal perspective on Black History Month and its significance within the sport.

Tendayi Darikwa, a Zimbabwean international with 13 caps to his name, shared his journey from the Conference North to the Premier League and reflected on his experiences as a Black footballer. Jason Lee, a former Imps player and now a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion in football through his work with the Professional Footballers’ Association, spoke about the strides that have been made in promoting equality within the sport. Gavin Gordon, a well-known figure in the local football community, discussed his time with Lincoln City and his ongoing involvement as chairman of the Former Players’ Association.

The panel tackled essential issues such as racial profiling, the evolution of the game over time, and the ongoing challenges of racism in football. They also explored how racism and discrimination can impact mental health, sharing personal experiences of overcoming adversity and achieving success in the face of discrimination.

A Success for the Community

The event was a resounding success, with attendees deeply engaged in the discussion. The insightful conversation highlighted the ongoing need to address racism in football while celebrating the contributions of Black players and officials to the sport.

This weekend was a true celebration of Black history, heritage, and resilience, reinforcing Lincolnshire FA’s commitment to fostering diversity, equality, and inclusion in football.

We would like to thank everyone involved in making this event such a success, and we look forward to continuing our work to promote equality across Lincolnshire.

For more information on upcoming events and initiatives, stay connected with Lincolnshire FA!

Tom Padden, Football Development Manager (Disability & Inclusion) at Lincolnshire FA, said:
“This event was a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together and celebrate the significant contributions of Black players and officials within football. The insightful discussions from the panel reinforced the importance of promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, not just in football, but in all aspects of life. We are proud to continue supporting initiatives like this that help to drive positive change across the game and our wider community.”

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