Part of Black History Month 2021 will be a special football exhibition to celebrate the life of Canning Town football player Jack Leslie as well as John ‘Charlo’ Charles, Walter Tull and some of the other Black footballers who have a connection to Newham.

However, this exhibition, which I have launched thanks to a grant from Newham Council, will also celebrate Jack Leslie after Black History month. Jack will also be remembered in a Newham Heritage plaque, to be displayed at the exhibition before being installed near his home in Canning Town.

The Jack Leslie Campaign, Jack Leslie’s family, Clapton CFC, the family of Walter Tull, the authors of the book Football’s Black Pioneers (Bill Hern and David Gleave), Phil Vasili, the main exponent of Walter’s story for more than 20 years and biographer of the main reference book Walter Tull, 1888-1918, Footballer, Officer (London League Publications, 2018, 2nd edition) and Mickey Ambrose (Co-Chair) of FA Equality Now, former Chelsea professional footballer and Ambassador for HRH Prince William will all make a contribution to the exhibition. John ‘Charlo’ Charles’ son Mitch Charles is also involved.

During the exhibition there will be events to discuss the lives of all of these players who helped put Newham on the footballing map.

Newham Black History Month 2021

Free Football Exhibition, 6 – 29 October

Canning Gallery, 11 Brunel St, London E16 1EB

www.canninggallery.art

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday by Appointment

Email: curator@canninggallery.art

Saturdays – Open Day 12pm – 3pm

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