Anti-racism education “more important than ever”

Black History Month takes place in October and Show Racism the Red Card, one of the country’s leading anti-racism charities, will be launching their 12th annual ‘Wear Red Day’.

Taking place on Friday 16th October, the annual event sees people and organisations pledge their support for anti-racist education by wearing red for the day.

Now in its 12th year, 2014 saw 7,000 people registering to take part. By 2024, that figure had risen to 710,000 participants.

Show Racism The Red Card chief executive Ged Grebby said: “It’s a landmark that we are incredibly proud of. We couldn’t be more grateful to our supporters.”

30 years of anti-racism education

The charity was founded in 1996 when Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop was racially abused by youths on a garage forecourt.

They shouted insults from across a road near St James’ Park before recognising him, asking for his autograph, and then chanting his name.

“I realised then that we had to do something to educate young people,” Shaka said.

“That experience summed it up for me. From 50 yards away, I was a black man and they shouted abuse; from five yards away, I was a hero.”

Since those early days in the north east, Show Racism The Red Card has grown into a national organisation delivering anti-racism education to millions of young people across the country.

Today, the charity says their message is more important than ever as far right political violence continues to grow on the streets of Britain and anti-immigrant sentiments spread on major social media platforms.

“We are in awe of all the support we have received over the years,” Ged says. “Anti-racism education is needed now more than ever and reaching our 30th year only makes us more determined to keep spreading the important message of anti-racism.”

Fans for Diversity

This summer Kick It Out reported that they had received a 25% increase in discrimination reports. Racism remains the most reported form of discrimination, with 792 reports, up 19% year-on-year and making up 45% of the total.

The figures, drawn from reports across the professional game, grassroots football and online, show discrimination remains a serious and growing challenge across football.

This is just one of the many reasons the FSA champions the work of Show Racism The Red Card and continues to run the Fans for Diversity campaign alongside Kick It Out.

Fans for Diversity’s aim is simple: to celebrate diversity in football to ensure all fans feel safe and welcome at the game, regardless of; age, disability, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.

Want to fund activity at your supporter group or club?

Then we’d love to hear from you. We have a small grant fund to help with your ideas so if you would like to create an event, a project or start a supporter group then please contact Fans for Diversity campaign managers Hannah Kumari or Nilesh Chauhan.