As Brentford FC Community Sports Trust continues to celebrate Black History Month 2024, we share the stories of five more individuals who are reclaiming their journeys.
Every week we are showcasing different individuals who are making an impact within their community, sport, or education, aligning with the work we do at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust. By highlighting these individuals, we aim to share their often untold success stories, encouraging us to learn, share, discuss, and celebrate their journeys, gaining a fresh perspective on the contributions of Black British people in our sphere.
Caz Fields
Caz Fields is a nonbinary footballer playing for Huddersfield Town, known for their advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues in sport and commitment to reclaiming narratives around gender identity and race.
Caz’s love for football began at a young age, and they have since excelled in the sport, competing in the third tier of English Women’s football. However, their impact extends far beyond the pitch.
Caz uses their platform, particularly on TikTok, to educate and inspire others on the complexities of being nonbinary in a predominantly cisgender and heteronormative space.
They openly share their personal journey of navigating football as a Black, nonbinary person, addressing the challenges and triumphs they’ve encountered.
Their honest, relatable content has earned them a growing following and recognition within the LGBTQ+ community, leading to an award on the Football Black List for their efforts in promoting inclusivity and diversity in sport.
David Olusoga
Friend of Brentford FC, David Olusoga (Olu-soga) OBE is a renowned British historian, broadcaster, and author who has dedicated his career to reclaiming narratives around Black British history and the impact of colonialism. Born in Nigeria and raised in the UK, Olusoga’s own experiences of racism informed his drive to challenge the historical silencing of Black voices. His work aims to shine a light on the stories that have been neglected or erased from mainstream history.
Olusoga’s groundbreaking documentaries, such as Black and British: A Forgotten History and The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files, have brought to the forefront the contributions and struggles of Black Britons, illuminating a past often overlooked in the national narrative. Through his TV series, books, and lectures, he has become a leading figure in making Black history an essential part of British history. His critically acclaimed book Black and British: A Forgotten History explores the deep, centuries-old ties between Britain and Africa, revealing how integral Black people have been to the fabric of the nation.
In his work, Olusoga not only provides historical facts but also invites readers and viewers to reconsider the traditional narratives of British history. He reclaims these narratives, ensuring that the legacies of slavery, colonialism, and the Windrush generation are acknowledged and understood.
David Olusoga’s tireless efforts to integrate Black history into the wider national story have helped transform public understanding, ensuring that the complexities of Britain’s past are addressed, and marginalized voices are finally given their due recognition.
Andrew Ducille
Andrew Ducille is a prominent advocate for diversity and representation in the sports media industry, recognised for his tireless efforts to reclaim narratives around Black voices in sports. As a co-founder of the Black Collective of Media in Sport (BCOMS), established in 2016, he has played a pivotal role in addressing the systemic barriers faced by Black professionals in media. Andrew’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces has transformed the landscape for aspiring journalists, broadcasters, and content creators.
Born and raised in London to Jamaican parents, Andrew’s passion for storytelling and sports was evident from an early age. He pursued a career in sports media, but quickly recognized the lack of representation for Black individuals within the industry. This awareness fueled his desire to foster change. Through BCOMS, he has implemented mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and workshops designed to empower Black talent, helping them navigate the complexities of the lack of diversity in the industry.
Andrew Ducille's dedication to reclaiming narratives within sports media is reshaping perceptions and ensuring that Black voices are integral to the conversation. His impact extends far beyond the industry, contributing to a broader understanding of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society.
Kwajo Tweneboa
Kwajo Tweneboa is a passionate activist and social housing campaigner, known for his relentless advocacy in addressing the substandard living conditions many residents face in social housing across the UK. His journey into activism was born from personal experience when he was forced to live in unsafe and dilapidated housing. Frustrated by the inaction of housing authorities, Kwajo began documenting the appalling conditions through social media, bringing national attention to the neglect many social housing tenants experience. He creates tangible change by working with the government, charities and other organisations, and continued his work with the documentary, Untold: Help! My Home is Disgusting, and his book, Our Country in Crisis: Britain's Housing Emergency and How We Rebuild, released in July 2024.
Kwajo's activism has centered on reclaiming the narrative for social housing residents, particularly those from marginalized and working-class backgrounds. He exposes the systemic failures in housing management, demanding accountability from local councils and housing associations. Through his work, Kwajo has not only raised awareness but has also helped residents secure improved living conditions as well as a wider societal understanding of these issues faced by many. His efforts have led to real change, as he has successfully pressured authorities to address unsafe conditions and listen to the voices of those who are often ignored.
Beyond housing, Kwajo advocates for broader social justice issues, ensuring that the stories of marginalized communities are heard. He is determined to challenge the structural inequalities that disproportionately affect Black and working-class residents in social housing. By reclaiming narratives around social housing, Kwajo Tweneboa is pushing for a fairer system that treats every individual with dignity and respect. His work is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have in fighting for justice and change.
Anita Asante
Anita Asante is a trailblazer, not only for her contributions on the pitch but also for how she has reclaimed narratives off it. After an illustrious football career with clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and the England national team, Anita transitioned to punditry, where her voice has become a crucial one in reshaping the way football is discussed. In a media landscape where diverse perspectives are often underrepresented and sometimes challenged, Anita’s insights as a Black, LGBTQ+ woman bring depth and inclusivity to the conversation, challenging the traditional narratives that dominate football commentary.
Beyond her media work, Anita has embraced a new role as a mother, which adds a profound dimension to her story of reclaiming space. She has spoken about the importance of balancing her personal life with her professional passions, offering visibility to women in sports who are navigating both motherhood and careers. By sharing her journey, she redefines what it means to be a woman in football, showing that it is possible to thrive in multiple roles.
As a role model to young girls, Anita’s life demonstrates the power of resilience and representation. She inspires the next generation to take up space and challenge societal norms, whether on the pitch, in the media, or at home. Her ability to break barriers while staying true to her identity makes her a living example of how reclaiming narratives can empower others to do the same.
More Inspiring Figures
Read about more individuals who have reclaimed their narratives and featured in our list last week by clicking here.