ELIZABETH NEWMAN’s Post

BALLISTIC BALLERS CIC is another incredible organisation we’re especially proud to spotlight this Black History Month, as they truly embody the theme of Reclaiming Narratives. BALLISTIC BALLERS CIC empowers young Black boys across London to take control of their futures, bridging the gap between football and life skills to build confidence, resilience, and independence. BALLISTIC BALLERS CIC is redefining what it means to be successful both on and off the field. By combining football with critical life skills like money management and financial literacy, they are addressing a crucial gap that many young players face preparing for life beyond the game. Through their programmes, BALLISTIC BALLERS CIC enables young people not only to excel in football but to build resilience and independence that extends into every area of life. Their mission aligns beautifully with Reclaiming Narratives, a call to action for Black communities to seize ownership of our stories and take pride in our legacy. For too long, our histories have been told by others, often leaving out the richness and depth of our experiences. BALLISTIC BALLERS CIC is changing that by creating spaces where young people can envision their futures, connect with mentors, and cultivate their unique stories. As Black History Month draws to a close, let’s keep the momentum going. BALLISTIC BALLERS CIC work reminds us that reclaiming our narrative is an ongoing journey. #ReclaimingNarratives| #EmpowerOurYouth| #FinancialLiteracyMatters| #BeyondThePitch| #BuildingFutures| #InspiringChange| #BallisticBallers| #GameChanger| #SportsForChange #OwnYourStory #YouthMentorship

On today’s Black History Month edition of “Who signed this off??”… One of the more ergrigious posts I’ve seen from a brand I’ve loved my entire life, The Premier League. Don’t get me wrong, Mo Salah is definitely a Premier League hero, a legend and a magnificent football player. But one thing he most definitely is not, is Black. The Premier League has a wealth of Black heroes to celebrate. Whether the glaringly obvious choices like Thierry Henry, Rio Ferdinand or Didier Drogba, or the “Streets Won’t Forget” players like Hugo Rodellega and Asamoah Gyan. But in the ONE MONTH reserved for celebrating Black Excellence, they chose to celebrate non-Black player. When we talk about Black erasure, this is a prime example. Racism isn’t just abusive and derogatory language, it’s also an absence of acknowledgement. Despite a barrage of criticism, the Premier League stood by their decision unapologetically (this screenshot is today years old). A blatant disregard for the Black players who helped make the Premier League the most exciting and profitable football league in the world, and its Black fans with one horribly misguided post. Another shining example of the calamities that come with a non-diverse workforce. #premierleague #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #Football #DEI

Behind the Blog: What’s with Black Football Players and Their White Girlfriends? This topic has lingered in my mind for years, shaped by countless conversations and observations. In this blog, I explore a trend that’s both visible and complex: why do so many Black football players end up in relationships with white women? Is it purely about personal preference, or do societal pressures and perceptions subtly influence these choices? In the blog, I explore three central ideas: The Intersection of Love and Image, where media, branding, and marketability influence relationship dynamics; Race and Representation, addressing Eurocentric beauty ideals and the societal pressures Black athletes face; and The Perception Gap, highlighting why Black relationships in the public eye often face heightened scrutiny. These themes unpack how personal choices intersect with societal expectations, raising important questions about identity, love, and cultural narratives. Please feel free to read the full blog & subscribe! https://lnkd.in/ehiDnRNm

🔊 Let’s expand the narrative. As much as we celebrate the incredible achievements of Black athletes, it's time to recognise and amplify the voices of Black owners, coaches, analysts, media experts, and more in the sports industry. These roles are crucial to shaping the game on a global scale, yet our stories in these spaces remain underrepresented. Diversifying the portrayal of Black contributions to sport is essential. From strategy and leadership to media and analysis, there’s a wealth of talent and impact across the sports industry that deserves the spotlight. Let’s shift the conversation to include all roles and highlight the varied ways we contribute to this industry 📈 Shoutout to all of the organisations already showcasing the many different contributions made by black individuals to the sports industry such as: Black In Sport Black Leaders In Sport Network AKD Solutions Let's Get Active (LGA) BADU CIC and more! #InclusiveSports #BlackExcellenceInSports #RepresentationMatters #LeadershipInSports

Today, I want to highlight the importance of being intentional in recognizing and rectifying historical injustices. Major League Baseball (MLB) has taken a significant step by including the statistics of Black players who were previously excluded due to segregation. This long-overdue acknowledgment not only honors the incredible talent of these athletes but also sets a precedent for doing the right thing. One standout example is Josh Gibson, whose remarkable achievements were never fully recognized. In fact, Gibson's stats surpass those of legends like Babe Ruth. By including his and other Black players' records, we are finally giving them the recognition they deserve. Let's continue to strive for fairness and inclusivity in ALL aspects of life! We still have a long way to go!! full video here (snip of video attached) https://lnkd.in/exGjmkQn #MLB #Inclusion #HistoricalJustice #JoshGibson #IntentionalActions #recognition #honor #beintentional

The Olympics, a celebration of unity and diversity, has also shone a light on societal issues, particularly race. The success of Black athletes, such as Simon Biles, Sha'Carri Richardson, and LeBron James, is a source of pride for many, but it's important to remember the unique challenges they face. Despite their achievements, these athletes face disproportionate scrutiny and criticism, as well as the weight of representing an entire community. The broader societal context in which these athletes exist cannot be ignored, with racism and systemic injustice casting a long shadow over their lives. However, Black people have always found a way to turn lemons into lemonade. Iconic moments in Olympic history, such as Tommie Smith and John Carlos' protest against racial injustice in 1968, and Jesse Owens' defiance of Adolf Hitler's Aryan supremacy ideology, are testament to their resilience and liberation. What are your thoughts on the role of race in the Olympics? How can we ensure that all athletes are given equal opportunities to succeed? Share your views in the comments. https://lnkd.in/gS4nd-GR

Thoughts from Ryan Knight on Black Enterprise Blog: Tennis Star Gael Monfils Becomes Oldest Player To Win ATP Tour Title. Gael Monfils reminds us all of the importance of resilience and passion when navigating a space that might not always feel welcoming or affirming. As a standout in tennis, a sport with few Black athletes at the top level, he’s demonstrated the power of persistence while balancing personal passions with the demands of an unrelenting professional journey. His journey offers deeper lessons that resonate well beyond sports. In the Black business community, Monfils’ story is a valuable parallel for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to make their mark in industries where diversity and representation are still evolving. Here’s what we can take away: - **Passion fuels purpose, but purpose requires discipline.** Monfils noted that while he’s driven by his love for tennis, the grind of traveling and competing can be draining. This is a reminder that passion alone isn’t enough; we need systems of discipline, networks, and self-care to support our goals. - **Representation matters, but so does finding your own path.** Black professionals often feel the weight of being one of the few in their industries. Monfils chooses to keep showing up for his craft, demonstrating the impact of standing firm in spaces that weren’t necessarily designed for us. - **Know when to rest, recalibrate, and refocus.** His awareness of the toll of continuous travel speaks to the importance of pacing ourselves in competitive spaces. For Black leaders navigating industries riddled with systemic barriers, recognizing when to refocus can reinvigorate the drive for excellence. This is a sentiment I frequently encounter in our community—we’re building systems of wealth and empowerment, sometimes within industries that ask us to do twice as much to earn just as much recognition. Like Monfils, let’s forge on, but also craft a path that honors the balance between purpose, well-being, and impact. Written by: Daniel Johnson. View Full Blog Post here: https://lnkd.in/gHpq_wkW

Of course he is