To celebrate Black History Month 2024 the Trust will be sharing the stories of individuals who are reclaiming their journeys. Each week, we will showcase 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.

Sam Allison

Sam Allison is a trailblazing English football referee whose journey embodies the spirit of reclaiming narratives in sports. As the first Black referee to officiate in the English Football League (EFL) in over a decade, and the first in the Premier League since 2008 when Uriah Rennie retired. Allison has shattered barriers in a field where representation remains limited. Born in Chippenham, England, Sam's background as a semi-professional footballer gave him an intimate understanding of the game from both perspectives: player and official. However, it is his ability to reclaim and reshape his narrative that stands out.

Allison's path to becoming a referee was unconventional, balancing a career as a firefighter with his refereeing duties. This duality reflects his resilience and dedication to breaking stereotypes, both on the pitch and beyond. His ascent through the ranks was not without challenges, as the lack of Black referees in the professional game highlighted deep-rooted biases within football officiating. Yet, Sam's passion for fairness, combined with his leadership, has redefined the possibilities for Black referees in English football.

As part of a new generation of officials, Allison’s presence challenges the status quo, paving the way for others to follow. By reclaiming his narrative in a largely homogenous field, he symbolises the ever-present need for further equality and representation in sports. His story is not just one of personal achievement but a testament to the broader importance of Black representation in all aspects of the beautiful game.

Lavinya Stennett

Lavinya Stennett is the visionary founder and CEO of The Black Curriculum, an organization dedicated to addressing the lack of Black British history in the UK’s national curriculum. Her work exemplifies the theme of reclaiming narratives by ensuring Black British history is no longer overlooked but woven into the fabric of mainstream education.

Born and raised in London, Lavinya's experiences growing up in a system that marginalized Black stories fuelled her passion for change. She founded The Black Curriculum in 2019, aiming to transform the way Black history is taught, moving beyond tokenistic references during Black History Month to a more comprehensive, year-round understanding. The organization offers resources, teacher training, and advocacy to integrate Black British history from pre-colonial Africa to the present day.

Under Lavinya’s leadership, The Black Curriculum has sparked national conversations about the importance of historical representation and its connection to issues like identity, belonging, and racism. Her efforts go beyond education; she’s reclaiming space for Black voices in the broader cultural narrative, pushing for systemic change in schools and policy.

Lavinya Stennett’s work is reshaping how young people learn about Black history, ensuring that future generations grow up with a fuller understanding of the UK’s diverse past. Her commitment to reclaiming narratives has made her a prominent leader in pushing for racial equality in education, leaving a lasting impact on both students and society as a whole.

Jamal Edwards

Jamal Edwards MBE was a pioneering British entrepreneur, filmmaker, and founder of SBTV, a groundbreaking platform that revolutionized the UK music scene. Born in Luton and raised in West London, Jamal used his creativity and determination to reclaim the narrative of young, Black talent in a music industry that often overlooked them.

In 2006, at the age of 15, Jamal started SBTV as a YouTube channel, using his handheld camera to showcase emerging grime, rap, and hip-hop artists. His platform gave a voice to artists, such as Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, and Dave, and helped to shape the UK’s urban music landscape. By reclaiming control over how artists’ stories were told, Jamal challenged mainstream media’s narrative, creating space for Black creativity to flourish.

Jamal’s influence extended far beyond music. He became an advocate for youth empowerment and mental health awareness, using his platform to inspire young people to pursue their passions. His work earned him an MBE in 2014 for services to music, but his legacy is far greater, symbolizing the power of grassroots media to transform industries and lives.

His visionary work continues to inspire generations of creatives to own their stories and create lasting change.

Kadeena Cox

Kadeena Cox OBE is a trailblazing British Paralympian who has redefined narratives around disability, race, and athletic achievement. Born in Leeds, Kadeena initially made her mark as a sprinter before a life-changing diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2014 altered her career path. Undeterred, she transitioned into para-athletics and para-cycling, reclaiming her narrative by excelling in both sports.

Kadeena made history at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, becoming the first British Paralympian in 32 years to win gold medals in two different sports at the same Games—sprinting and cycling. Her remarkable achievements shattered preconceived notions about disability, showing that athletic excellence knows no boundaries. Kadeena’s strength, both mental and physical, has made her a symbol of resilience, and her success challenges the limited ways in which disabled athletes are often portrayed.

Beyond her sporting achievements, Kadeena is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in sport. As a Black, disabled woman, she continues to challenge stereotypes, pushing for greater representation of Black disabled athletes and raising awareness about MS. Her advocacy extends to mental health, as she openly shares her struggles and triumphs to inspire others facing adversity.

Her legacy as a Paralympian and advocate continues to inspire, proving that barriers can be broken and that all voices deserve to be heard.