Celebrating Us
Welcome to Brentford Football Club's Black History Month Exhibition, featuring the voices of our players and staff.
This exhibition highlights the unique experiences of those who proudly represent Brentford, while staying connected to their Black heritage. Through personal reflections, each person has shared insights into their roots, what their heritage means to them, and how it shapes their identity both on or off the pitch.
Join us as we honour some of the individuals who make up our club, and celebrate the vibrant cultures that contribute to the heart and spirit of Brentford FC.
Paris Maghoma
#32 Men's First Team Midfielder
How has your understanding of Black history influenced your identity as both a person and a professional athlete?
I don’t understand why it’s called Black history, there have always been Black people in the community and it’s part of our history. We are all still humans, we do the same things day in and day out. I don’t think Black history is something that should be highlighted and emphasised in one month, it should be all year round, especially in the education system. So, my question is why only one month and not the whole year, every day?
Can you share a moment in your life when you felt especially proud of your Black heritage? How did that moment impact you?
I am proud every day, I can’t pinpoint a moment in my life, but I love being Black, I love culture, and I embrace it. I walk with pride every day. I am who I am.
Who are the Black historical figures that have inspired you the most, both on and off the field?
In terms of athletes, the biggest name out there - Muhammed Ali. He was brilliant and going through a time that is different to us and of course, racism is still about today but compared to before and being a Black man in America, he was very resilient in how he conducted himself.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations of Black footballers?
Speak up and don't be afraid to speak on racism. Whether that is second-hand racism like stereotypes which do not only effect Black athletes but all athletes. It’s really important to speak out about these matters especially as in football you are surrounded by so many backgrounds and ethnicities. You have to be respectful, there is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s who we are and how we grew up. Stand together, support each other, and be united.
If you could bring a home-cooked meal from your country to a team dinner, what would it be, and how would you describe it to your teammates who’ve never tried it?
Ntaba, which is essentially goat meat. Traditionally it’s cooked on a BBQ. I have it by itself, it doesn't need anything to accompany it. I have a big tub of it, it's beautiful and succulent.
Rico Henry
#3 Men's First Team Defender
How has your understanding of Black history influenced your identity as both a person and a professional athlete?
I understand why we have Black History Month; it's trying to educate others who may not know about Black history and why it is important. It's that time of the year, that people speak up about the past and learn.
Who are the Black historical figures that have inspired you the most, both on and off the field?
Lewis Hamilton, the way he speaks on racism and being the only Black F1 driver, it must be difficult for him compared to other racers. He is a big influence on the community and the work he is advocating.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations of Black footballers?
Now social media is massive and, for children growing up and as athletes, we are criticised for everything we do, so I say to speak up find someone you trust and talk to them about it. Go about it the right way, we can speak to the Football Association and Professional Footballers' Association. We need to support each other.
If you could bring a home-cooked meal from your country to a team dinner, what would it be, and how would you describe it to your teammates who’ve never tried it?
Ackee and salt fish - it's Caribbean. Or yam and dumplings. We have it for dinner a lot and you can also have it for special occasions.
Josh Dasilva
#10 Men's First Team Midfielder
How has your understanding of Black history influenced your identity as both a person and a professional athlete?
Knowing what we have had to go through, it is not easy, but we have come a long way and people have put things in place and fought the odds but in the past, it was a bad time for us. There are still things that happen today, but I am proud and seeing what other Black people do around the world, and how we contribute to the world, cultures, and life. I don’t think life would be as fun if there were not as many Black people. I am from a multicultural place, and I appreciate what different people of race and colour bring to the community.
Who are the Black historical figures that have inspired you the most, both on and off the field?
I will start with my family, I used to chill with my brother a lot and the things that I have learnt are from him, from life experiences and just being around him. In terms of football, Ronaldo, the famous R9 from Brazil as I used to be a striker. When I moved to midfield it was Yaya Touré and Paul Pogba. I drew a lot of inspiration from them due to their size, stature and the way they move, I relate to them.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations of Black footballers?
I want to show them that it can be done. It’s not easy, but showing that someone from my area, where I grew up, it can be done. I know it sounds cliché but if you believe in yourself and apply yourself, make the right sacrifices then it can be done.
If you could bring a home-cooked meal from your country to a team dinner, what would it be, and how would you describe it to your teammates who’ve never tried it?
Fugwadda is beans, and funge is a semolina and you can have them together and, also with ntaba which is a BBQ goat meat and all of them together is great. It looks like mashed potatoes with beans.
Rebekah Edwards
#17 Women's B Team Midfielder
How has your understanding of Black history influenced your life, identity and career?
I think recognising the significant contribution of Black individuals has made me understand what it means to work hard and to understand that nothing will be given to you.
Can you share a moment in your life when you felt especially proud of your Black heritage? How did that moment impact you?
I think Mary Phillip being the first Black female England women’s captain was a really amazing moment. All her hard work and perseverance paid off and she became the first Black female captain of a national team. It made me realise to never give up and always persevere in everything I do.
Who are the Black historical figures or athletes that have inspired you the most?
On the field, I would say Alex Scott, she had an amazing football career at Arsenal. She was a trailblazer for Black women, she has also been a trailblazer off the field since retiring and becoming the first Black female to present Match of the Day. She has created an amazing impact and when you speak to young Black girls they will say that Alex Scott is their idol.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations of Black footballers?
I hope to leave a legacy of perseverance, learn to never give up and always go for your dreams and never back down when the going gets tough. All those things I have learnt over the years, I hope I can pass that on to any young Black female in sport and in life.
Nia Bowman
#Women's B Team Defender
How has your understanding of Black history influenced your life, identity and career?
Understanding Black history has shaped my identity, both as a person and an athlete. It reminds me of the strength and perseverance of those who came before me. As a female footballer, it pushes me to break barriers and represent the legacy of Black excellence with pride on and off the pitch.
Can you share a moment in your life when you felt especially proud of your Black heritage? How did that moment impact you?
I felt especially proud of my Black heritage when I won my first football tournament. Standing on that platform, I realised I was representing more than just myself. That moment pushed me to embrace my identity even more.
Who are the Black historical figures or athletes that have inspired you the most?
On the pitch, players like Yaya Touré and Sadio Mané have been major inspirations for their dominance, resilience, and impact in football. Off the field, figures like Maya Angelo and Martin Luther King Jr. inspire me with their courage and dedication to fighting for justice and equality.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations of Black footballers?
I hope to leave a legacy of breaking barriers, empowering Black footballers to dream big, and advocating for equality in sports. I want future generations to feel proud of their heritage and confident in their ability to succeed on their own terms.
If you could bring a home-cooked meal from your country into the office, what would it be, and how would you describe it to your colleagues who’ve never tried it?
I’d bring jerk chicken with rice and peas, a classic Caribbean dish. I’d describe it as spicy chicken served with rice and peas. It’s a delicious, well-balanced meal.
Benjamin Frederick
#12 Men's B Team Defender
How has your understanding of Black history influenced your identity and career both as a person and as an athlete?
As a footballer, being Nigerian has made me stronger on the pitch and good at defending. I bring the love from the community onto the pitch to one another which has helped me grow on and off the pitch.
Can you share a moment in your life when you felt especially proud of your Black heritage? How did that moment impact you?
I represented my country [Nigeria] in the World Cup which was a really proud moment for me, and winning against the host country Argentina.
Who are the Black historical figures or athletes that have inspired you the most?
Jay- Jay Okocha, he is from Nigeria, started from nothing but played and trained and ended up travelling the world with football and was successful. He has inspired the young community with his achievements.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations of Black footballers?
I want to be as successful as I can and win trophies with Nigeria. Off the pitch, I want to help and support my community from where I am from.
If you could bring a home-cooked meal from your country into the office, what would it be, and how would you describe it to your colleagues who’ve never tried it?
Jollof rice. It’s rice cooked with tomato sauce and onions, and chicken. We typically have it for Christmas dinner.
Tony Yogane
#Men's B Team Forward
How has your understanding of Black history influenced your identity as both a person and a professional athlete?
I have a strong mentality; I see my heritage as who I am and that has come from my parents and it's just naturally in me. I was brought up by my parents who spoke about my heritage and how it contributes to and influences my daily life.
Can you share a moment in your life when you felt especially proud of your Black heritage? How did that moment impact you?
Usain Bolt, and Michael Jordan, they both came from nothing, and they showed everyone that it is possible to do anything they put their minds to. I take on that mentality in whatever I do.
Who are the Black historical figures or athletes that have inspired you the most?
Bryan and Wissa, in the Men’s First Team, because they are both African and I look up to them a lot.
If you could bring a home-cooked meal from your country to a team dinner, what would it be, and how would you describe it to your teammates who’ve never tried it?
Plantain, puff puff and jollof rice. We have it occasionally in celebration. My teammates have already tried it after our games, and they liked it but some couldn’t handle the spice.
Kyreece Lisbie
#Men's B Team Forward
How has your understanding of Black history influenced your identity as both a person and a professional athlete?
As an athlete I am influenced by my dad, coming from the Caribbean and representing Jamaica, it has given me the push to represent them one day myself.
Can you share a moment in your life when you felt especially proud of your Black heritage? How did that moment impact you?
For me, every day is an opportunity to be proud of where you are from. I do not have a specific moment in time but knowing my heritage is enough to keep me going.
Who are the Black historical figures that have inspired you the most, both on and off the field?
My dad has inspired me; he grew up in a rough area in Hackney and not many people became successful in his area. His story from a rough area to the Premier League inspires me every day. It is also important to acknowledge the Black figures who allowed us to be who we are today and the pathway they created. We recognise the struggles they went through to make it easier for us to be equal and the generations to come.
If you could bring a home-cooked meal from your country to a team dinner, what would it be, and how would you describe it to your teammates who’ve never tried it?
I would bring some jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish and plantain. It’s a Caribbean dish that we have every Sunday.
Jamal Graham
Head of Venue Optimisation, BFC Staff
How has your understanding of Black history influenced your identity?
My understanding of Black history has made me have a deeper connection to the struggles my ancestor may have faced and how that can be passed down generationally. I try not to focus on the negative and I am strong believer of having a positive mindset which has made me resilient over the years. I am a product of Black British history, and I am happy to share my experiences to help other races gain a better understanding of Black culture.
Can you share a moment in your life when you felt especially proud of your Black heritage? How did that moment impact you?
Being a sports fan in general I always am proud of when Jamaica do well on the world stage. Usain Bolt is the obvious pick, but personally that whole golden era of Jamaican athletics, including the dominance of Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce has to be the proudest period of time for me since I have been alive.
Who are the Black historical figures that have inspired you the most, these can be both athletes and non-athletes and why?
Bob Marley is a national hero, and his music resonates with all people across the world no matter the race. We are all human first and the music he left us with, is one that united everyone during his time and still does today. 'One Love' is the motto, and I encourage everyone to watch his film and listen to his music.
If you could bring a home-cooked meal from your country to a team dinner, what would it be, and how would you describe it to your colleagues who’ve never tried it?
'Saturday Soup' Basically its chicken soup or red peas with 'hard food' (dumplings, potato, green banana, carrots, yam) - This is my favourite meal, and helps me gets through colds and cold winters.
Esperance Kabanyana
AP Supervisor, BFC Staff
How has your understanding of Black history influenced your identity?
I learnt how others have gone through certain experiences which were new to me having grown up in Africa. I have seen first-hand the comments that people have made where they have not realised the impact of their words.
Can you share a moment in your life when you felt especially proud of your Black heritage? How did that moment impact you?
People putting others before themselves like what Rosa Parks did to make sure other Black people get to sit on the bus. It might not seem to be a big deal at the moment but after a long day or if you’re not feeling well, to be told you are not allowed to sit when there are empty seats....
Who are the Black historical figures that have inspired you the most, these can be both athletes and non-athletes?
Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela - because they fought for Black community rights.
Is there a legacy you hope to leave behind for future generations?
I would like to be judged by my actions rather than what I look like. I want to leave a legacy that actions are the most important factor.
If you could bring a home-cooked meal from your country to a team dinner, what would it be, and how would you describe it to your teammates who’ve never tried it?
Pilau rice, because it’s easy and you can cater it to how you like, you can add vegetables and/ or meat- it's a complete meal. If it's cooked properly, my team would love it.