JD gets into the rhythm to celebrate Black History Month

Jermain Defoe joined young people from across the community today at one of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s free half-term programmes celebrating Black History Month.

Throughout October, the Club has been marking Black History Month - the annual celebration of the UK’s black history and heritage - as part of our commitment to promoting equality and diversity for all.

This afternoon, our Academy Coach and Ambassador joined over 30 children at Duke’s Aldridge Academy – a secondary school located next door to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – for an African drumming rhythm workshop and carnival dance taster class.

After showing off his skills on the dance floor, Jermain then showed his skills on the football pitch, joining in with a coaching session, followed by a Q&A with the children talking about the importance of recognising black history and culture, and who inspired him growing up.

Speaking at the event, Jermain said: “It’s so important that we celebrate Black History Month, and it was great to come down today and join in with the different activities. I tried my best with the drumming and dance, but I think I’ll stick with football! Tottenham is an area full of different, vibrant cultures and it was brilliant to meet and see so many people today celebrating this.”

Throughout October, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has been delivering workshops in local primary schools focussed on the life and legacy of Walter Tull.

One of the most important figures in the Club’s history, Walter was the first black outfield player to appear in the Football League, making 10 appearances for us between 1909-11.

Walter was also the first British-born black combat officer in the British Army. Tragically killed in action aged 29, Walter was posthumously awarded the British War and Victory Medal.

Spurs REACH – our supporters’ group for fans from diverse and under-represented ethnic backgrounds and their allies – hosted its first in-person event to celebrate Black History Month.

Hosted at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, over 100 people joined Troy Townsend, Head of Development at Kick It Out for a Q&A panel session alongside Club Ambassador Ledley King, Academy Head of Coaching Chris Powell, Club presenter Rebekah Walker and lifelong Spurs fan, one of the UK’s biggest rap artists, AJ Tracey.