Arsenal Show Racism the Red Card
On March 30th, 2023, an anti-racism educational event was delivered by Show Racism The Red Card in partnership with Arsenal in the community at The Emirates stadium, home of Arsenal football club.
The event was aimed at increasing the understanding of racism among year 5 and 6 students from New Cross Academy, a local school in Islington. The event was successful in educating the students on the history of racism, the terminology surrounding racism, how to identify and challenge stereotypes, and how to be an active citizen in the fight against racism.
The event also included a tour of the stadium led by Arsenal in Community Inclusion Manager Samir Singh, who gave the students an all-access tour of the changing rooms, the Arsenal press room and the opportunity to stand pitch-side where the players warm up. This was a fantastic experience for the students!
Gracie Swanson, SRtRC educator said, “It was a great event where students were highly engaged in an anti-racist educational workshop. The students particularly enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions to a panel!”
The highlight of the event was the Q+A session, where the students had the opportunity to ask questions around racism, mental health, and how to deal with racism. The panel consisted of Show Racism The Red Card patrons including ex-Arsenal and England legend Rachel Yankey OBE, ex Arsenal player Perry Groves, ex professional footballer Paul Elliot CBE, Dulwich Hamlet striker and SRtRC trustee Danny Mills, ex-professional footballer, UEFA licensed coach and SRtRC educator Leon Braithwaite, Saracens and Scotland international rugby star Andy Christie, and TV personality George Rhoden from the Channel 4 hit show, “Hunted.” The panel provided valuable insights and perspectives on racism, which helped the students to gain a better understanding of the issue.
SRtRC Educator Jack Cunningham added, “Young people are the future, and we need to educate them on the history of racism and how to identify and challenge it. We also need to teach them how to be active citizens and safely challenge racism when they see it.”
Paul Hill, SRtRC Education Coordinator for the South said, “Racism is still prevalent in many areas of society, and education is essential to combatting it. By educating young people about the dangers of racism, on the history and impact of racism, we can help them to understand the harm that it causes and encourage them to stand up against it. Through education we can help to create a more inclusive and equitable society. This, in turn, can lead to a reduction in instances of racism, as young people become more aware of the harm it causes.
Furthermore, education is also a powerful tool for promoting empathy, and understanding. By teaching young people about different cultures, religions, and backgrounds, we can help to create a society that is more accepting and respectful of diversity.
A huge thankyou to Samir and his team at Arsenal in the community for hosting the event and the panel for an excellent Q+A. In using the power of role-models we can inspire future generations.”
Check out this short video about the event here.
