Anti-Racism week launches today

17 October 2003

"We need to fend off complacency and keep up the ongoing battle against racism through education, positive engagement and by working in partnership. This way will be the way in which we can bring equality to life"

That was the key message from Lord Herman Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out - the campaign against racism in football - as he welcomed the start of this years Week of Action today.

"The range and breadth of both community and club based activities taking place during the week are a testament to the good work going on in football with communities traditionally excluded from the game"

Fans, professional clubs, community groups and players from across the UK will take part in the national anti-racism extended week of action, which runs until 28 October. Over 500 activities have been scheduled to mark the week, with Albion taking part in Saturday's game against Norwich with a specially designed warmup kit and half-time activities.

The Albion connection follows hot on the heels of two excellent radio and TV programmes broadcast by the BBC - Three Degrees West and Black Flash, both of which featured Albion players. But every professional club in England and Wales will hold anti-racism activities at home games over the next two weekends, and Community groups will be celebrating the history of black, Asian and other ethnic minorities in the game through events in local communities. Grant aid has been provided to over 35 groups in order to help them deliver larger projects, courtesy of Kick It Out and the Football Foundation.

A fanzine is being distributed as part of the week, and you can get hold of a copy of it in electronic form (PDF) at the following location:

United Colours of Football 4

The fanzine features a Black England XI, including Albion legends Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham, and articles by Viv Anderson and David Baddiel.

Previous Stories:

  15 October 2003:  Sack the Pig....?

  06 October 2003:  No letoff for AJ

  27 September 2003:  Another Northern Cup Trip

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