Black History Month – October 2024
When we set up The Jack Leslie Campaign, we imagined it would take years to raise the funds for a statue and then, after the unveiling, our work would be done. But the money was raised within weeks and the campaign has taken a life of its own. This is because Jack’s remarkable, heartbreaking and inspirational story resonates so strongly. It’s a testament to the power and importance of his legacy.
The campaign has donated several copies of The Lion Who Never Roared – the biography of Jack Leslie – to schools and libraries, including in Peckham where there is a free talk this Saturday 9th November at 2pm:
https://www.southwark.gov.uk/southwark-presents/jack-leslie-lion-who-never-roared
It is vital to discuss our shared history throughout the year, but Black History Month is always an opportunity to tell Jack’s moving, heartbreaking yet inspirational life story and this year has been no exception.
CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES THROUGH BHM 2024
1) Taken an assembly at Lyndhurst Primary School in South East London, engaging pupils from across the year groups in Jack’s story.
2) Attended the England v Greece fixture at Wembley to celebrate Black History Month with the FA and key figures in our national sport.
3) Been part of a panel at The Box in Plymouth discussing the museum’s initiative with the BFI for its Reimagining the Archive project. Co-founder Matt Tiller has been researching sporting stories in the regional film and television archive to explore hidden stories. Alongside this the campaign has supported the Hidden Figures project in the city to recognise both Jack and the many diverse citizens such as Jimmy Peters, Bill Miller and Ann Wilkinson, who have contributed to much to the region.
4) Delivered talks to Plymouth Argyle FC U18 players at Home Park and to younger academy players ahead of training. ITV Westcountry came to Plymouth Argyle FC to film with us.
5) Given a talk at Valence House Museum in Dagenham, which is not far from Jack’s first senior football club, Barking Town (now Barking FC).
The museum has some interesting pieces of Barking Town memorabilia, including this Souvenir Handbook which includes this team photo featuring a teenage Jack Leslie sat next to the club president. Jack is noted in the club’s players who became professional players.
6) We are also delighted to be assisting the National Football Museum with its plans to celebrate Black football pioneers in 2025 (the centenary of Jack’s England selection, of course). A preview exhibition, Black in the Game, is running now until January 2025
GET IN TOUCH!
If you are a school, football club, company or organisation keen to hear Jack’s story (the talks are thought provoking, generate great discussions and always receive positive feedback) then… EMAIL US!