As a County FA, we are proud of our support for Black History Month and raising awareness about such an important area. 

You will have seen across our social media the incredible contributions of so many people within the beautiful game being highlighted with this year's theme of Reclaiming Narratives a poignant one to connect with.

Our Football Development Officer, Mike McNamara, recently sat down with Alex, a member of our Emerging Leaders Group, helping to shape the future of football in Cheshire through their work on a variety of projects linked to the development of the grassroots game; check out their chat below:

What does Black History Month mean to you? 

For me, Black History Month is a time to honour the strength, struggles, and achievements of the black community, both past and present. As a black Namibian living in England, it’s also a way to connect with my roots and celebrate the diverse cultures within the African diaspora. It’s a reminder that our history is rich, and it’s important to keep telling our stories and recognizing our contributions to society. 

Who are some influential black figures that have inspired you? 

Nelson Mandela has always been a huge inspiration to me because of his incredible fight for justice and freedom. From Namibia, Sam Nujoma, our first president, stands out for his role in leading the country to independence. Maya Angelou's words and wisdom have deeply influenced how I see myself as a black person. Musically, Oliver Mtukudzi has had a powerful impact on me with his songs that speak of hope, resilience, and human rights. His music goes beyond entertainment; it’s about uplifting communities and speaking truth to power, which has shaped my understanding of activism and art. 

What steps can be taken to ensure that Black History Month is taught and celebrated year-round? 

To make sure Black History Month isn’t just a once-a-year focus, schools need to include black history as part of the regular curriculum, not as an add-on. Another step is the media and cultural spaces should regularly highlight black achievements and stories. Companies can also commit to diversity by hosting ongoing conversations and events that promote understanding and celebration of black culture all year long. 

How can someone be an ally to the black community? 

Being an ally means standing up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about listening, learning, and using your platform to support black people and causes. Allies should educate themselves about black history, speak out against racism whenever they see it. 

In conclusion, Mike added: "It is great to have Alex as part of our Emerging Leaders group and we look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead to really help shape football in Cheshire moving forward. Ensuring we are an Inclusive, Progressive and Respectful County FA is pivotal to the success we will have."