Leeds anti-racism workshop: Justin praises young voices

James Justin has praised the power of a Leeds anti-racism workshop after joining Noah Okafor to welcome local school pupils to Thorp Arch.

The pair met students from Bishop Young Academy as part of the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign and the club’s Black History Month work. A poetry performance gave Justin plenty to reflect on.

Leeds anti-racism workshop gives students a voice

Three teenage pupils performed their poem, We Carry More, during the visit. The piece describes experiences of discrimination and the assumptions people make before they know someone’s story. Its title reflects that weight.

Justin told the club’s official website that he recognised themes from his own childhood. He welcomed the progress made, while stressing that more work remains. He said education was central to that work.

“We’ve come a lot of years since I was in their shoes but there’s still a long way to go,” he said.

The visit included a presentation about Gerry Francis, Leeds’ first black player, and club ambassador Lucas Radebe. The presentation formed part of the club’s Black History Month focus. Pupils at the Leeds anti-racism workshop also toured the training ground, asked the players questions and collected photographs and autographs.

Justin sees a role for football and education

For Justin, schools and families have an important part to play in teaching equality. He also sees football as a place where people from different cultures and backgrounds can come together, and believes that mix can help drive understanding.

The defender said he wants to use his position to help young people. Being a recognisable player can make those conversations matter, particularly when pupils realise that footballers have faced some of the same challenges.

“I just want to help them as much as I can,” he said. “Obviously we know the power that we have in this position and we want to use it in the right way.”

School staff praised both players for their openness during the Leeds anti-racism workshop. The Leeds United Foundation also highlighted the students’ presentation and poem, and the time Justin and Okafor spent signing autographs. The club covered the visit on its official website.

The Leeds anti-racism workshop was about listening as well as speaking. Justin’s response showed why giving young people room to describe their experiences can be an important part of the club’s work off the pitch.