In Sheffield May 1997 two guys were discussing a BBC Look North item about the world's first black professional footballer, Arthur Wharton. They thought it was Leeds United's Albert Johanneson in the 60s, yet 70 years earlier, was Arthur, the first black player in the Football League when he played for Sheffield United at Sunderland in February 1895. Football Unites, Racism Divides (FURD) has been uncovering and spreading the hidden stories of football's Black Pioneers since its inception in 1995, beginning with leading a campaign to build a headstone on Arthur's unmarked grave in 1997. The story of the first black professional and world record sprint champion, had been forgotten since his death in 1930. Arthur's achievements prove there was a black presence at the dawn of the professional game, and we will explore his story in detail, as well as Walter Tull, Albert Johanneson and other black pioneers, many of whom were unknown outside of their club.
Course aim
Howard Holmes the founder of Football Unites, Racism Divides (FURD), and Chair of the FURD Educational Trust, talks about the amazing stories of the early black football pioneers.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Be able to list a range of early black football players
- Identify some of the stories of the football players and their contributions to the game
- Learn about the work of FURD in tackling racism
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- There will be opportunities for questions and answers throughout the session
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
- There are a large number of courses available throughout the WEA's Celebrating Diversity Festival in May to explore and enjoy. www.wea.org.uk
Download full course information sheet
Forgotten Heroes: The Story of the Early Black Football Pioneers
