October is Black History Month (BHM) in the United Kingdom, when we collectively recognise the contributions of Black people to both British society, as well as globally.

Black History Month is a time of celebration, recognition, and sombre reflection.

The theme this year is ‘Saluting Our Sisters’, specifically celebrating and highlighting the achievements of Black women.

Black women have been at the heart of social justice movements throughout history, courageously battling oppression and advocating for change. However, their contributions are often ignored, with ideas often appropriated, and their voices silenced.

Black History Month 2023 offers a significant opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements of black women, by focusing on honouring the matriarchs of movements and Saluting Our Sisters, as well as inspiring future generations and empowering them.

The theme of celebrating our sisters emphasises the vital role black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.

Over the years, there have been influential black women who have broken down barriers within the game and keeping with this year’s themes I wanted to celebrate a few of them.

[b]Hope Powell [/b]

The 56-year-old is perhaps best-known for her tenure the first female and Black manager of any England national team.

After representing England Women and proving to be a regular goal scorer throughout the 1990s during her time with Millwall Lionesses and Fulham, Powell took charge of England between 1998-2013, winning the Cyprus Cup in 2009 and 2013 and taking the team to their first major final at the European Championship in 2009.

She was also the first female ever to obtain a UEFA Pro licence –the highest qualification available to a coach in Europe.

More recently, she was head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion in the Barclays WSL between 2017 and 2022 and after being among the coaching staff for the England men's under-20s team for their FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina, she has now joined Birmingham City as women's technical director.

[b]Rachel Yankey[/b]

A Lionesses legend with 129 caps and 19 goals.

A skilful and pacy forward, Rachel's international career began with a debut goal against Scotland in 1997 and she went on to play at EURO 2005 and 2013 and the World Cup in 2007, as well as representing Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics.

Her honours list at club level includes eleven Women’s FA Cup titles, two WSL medals and six league titles in the old FA Women’s Premier League.

Now working as a coach with young players in schools, Rachel received an MBE in 2014.

[b]Eniola Aluko[/b]

A pacy forward with an eye for goal, Eni was still studying for her A-Levels at school when she featured for the Lionesses at the 2005 EURO on home soil after emerging through England’s development teams in her teens.

She became a key figure in the squad for the next 12 years, going on to represent the Lionesses at the World Cup in 2007, 2011 and 2015 and the EURO Finals of 2005 and 2009, when she helped Hope Powell’s team to a runners-up medal.

In total, Eni reached 105 caps and scored 33 goals. She also had a glittering domestic career, representing her hometown Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea and Juventus, winning four Women’s FA Cups and three WSL titles.

Since her playing career ended, Eni has put her academic talents to good use by working as a sporting director with Aston Villa and Angel City in the USA as well as being a regular pundit in the media. Eni was awarded an MBE in 2023 and was also listed in the 2020 Power list to recognise the 100 most influential Black Britons.

[b]Lianne Sanderson[/b]

The Londoner burst onto the scene as a youngster with Arsenal, where her form saw her called into Hope Powell’s squad in May 2006.

She went on to feature at both the 2007 World Cup in China and the 2009 EUROs in Sweden and picked up a half-century of caps along with 15 goals.

Following a spell with Chelsea, she played for the likes of Philadelphia Independence, DC United and Boston Breakers in the USA, Espanyol in Spain, Appollon Limassol in Cyprus and Juventus in Italy.

Following her retirement from football, Lianne has become a regular face and voice in the sports media.

I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by many amazing black women in my life whom without, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It is vital that black women’s contributions are recognised, and their voices heard.

Although Black History Month is a time for celebration and recognition it is not just exclusive to one month of the year. At Dulwich Hamlet FC we will continue to celebrate the achievements of black women within our football club.

Let us honour the achievements of black women, amplify their voices, and challenge the systems that oppress them.

Representation in football is something we continue to champion, and we know that senior and managerial roles within the game are not a true reflection of our communities.

Here at Dulwich Hamlet, we will continue to work towards creating opportunities and spaces for marginalised groups and advocate for accurate representation of the community we serve.

IN OUR HOUSE WE ARE ALL EQUAL

MILLSY