Sessegnon joins students for virtual Q&A to celebrate Black History Month
Sat 16 October 2021, 15:27|
Tottenham Hotspur
Ryan Sessegnon joined local students earlier this week for a virtual Q&A to celebrate Black History Month.
The young left wing-back answered questions from over 20 students from Duke’s Aldridge Academy – a secondary school located directly opposite Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
During the call, the group had the opportunity to ask Ryan questions around Black History Month including how to deal with discrimination and abuse, who inspired him when he was growing up and why Black History Month is important to him.
Ryan also spoke about the importance of the Premier League’s initiative, No Room For Racism, sending a strong message that racist behaviour will not be tolerated anywhere. Backed by the Club, No Room For Racism urges fans to challenge and report racism wherever it takes place, encouraging behavioural change in football and wider society.
Speaking after the call, Ryan said: “It was great to speak with students from Duke’s Aldridge Academy and celebrate Black History Month. Education is so important, so it’s brilliant to see the Foundation delivering sessions to local students and celebrating Black History Month. Diversity and equality is at the heart of everything the Club does and I am proud to be involved in a Club like this.”
Mark Franklin, a teacher at Duke’s Aldridge, said: ''Black History Month is always such an important part of the year and it is even more important as we all come together in the fight against racism, not just in football, but everywhere. It was brilliant to have Ryan talking to our students today – it was a great experience, and it gave our students the opportunity to ask vital questions.”
The Q&A formed part of the wider campaign the Club has been delivering throughout Black History Month.
Throughout October, the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has been delivering workshops in local primary schools focused on the life and legacy of Walter Tull.
Tull was the first black outfield player to appear in the Football League, making 10 appearances for us between 1909 and 1911. He was also the first British-born black combat officer in the British Army, posthumously awarded the British War and Victoria Medal.
Club Ambassador Ledley King has also been involved in these educational sessions and was recently a special guest at Lea Valley Primary School in Tottenham, answering questions and providing an insight into his own career as one of the most notable black players in our history.
