Jack Leslie and West Ham Honoured During Black History Month

Key Points

• West Ham United and community members celebrated Jack Leslie’s legacy during Black History Month.
• Leslie was the first Black footballer selected for England but was removed from the squad, likely due to racial discrimination.
• Leslie scored over 250 goals for Barking Town and 130+ goals for Plymouth Argyle.
• Plymouth Argyle unveiled a bronze statue of Leslie in October 2022 and he received a posthumous honorary England cap.
• Boxing champion Lennox Lewis joined the tribute online and shared his experiences growing up Black in East London.
• Lewis expressed the cultural pride and challenges faced by the Black community in the area.

Who was Jack Leslie and why is he significant?

Jack Leslie, born in 1901 in Canning Town, holds an extraordinary place in English football history as the first Black player ever selected for the England national team. Leslie’s football career began locally with Barking Town, where he scored more than 250 goals and helped the team secure the Essex Senior Cup in 1920 and the London Premier League Division title in 1921, according to reports from Sky Sports.

Following this, Leslie established himself as a prolific forward for Plymouth Argyle, netting over 130 goals and becoming a key player for the club. His talent earned him national recognition, culminating in his 1925 selection to represent England—a groundbreaking moment that was marred by racial injustice.

Why was Jack Leslie removed from the England squad list?

As detailed by Sky Sports, after Leslie’s historic selection, his name was quietly removed from the England squad list without public explanation. The prevailing understanding is that this decision was influenced by racial prejudice prevalent at the time, preventing Leslie from becoming the first Black player to wear the Three Lions jersey. This event has come to symbolize the discrimination faced by Black athletes in early 20th century English football.

How has Jack Leslie’s legacy been honoured in recent years?

Jack Leslie’s story was overlooked for many decades but has seen renewed recognition in recent years. On 7 October 2022, Plymouth Argyle commemorated Leslie’s career and legacy by unveiling a commissioned bronze statue at their Home Park stadium. The same day, the Football Association (FA) posthumously awarded Leslie an honorary England cap, as highlighted by Sky Sports reports. These acts of recognition serve as symbolic redress for the injustice Leslie endured and celebrate his pioneering role in the sport.

What role did West Ham United and the local community play in celebrating Leslie’s legacy?

West Ham United organised community events during October, coinciding with Black History Month, to celebrate Leslie’s historic contribution to football. The gatherings included members of local programmes such as Premier League Kicks and Leslie’s family, aiming to educate young people and honour his achievements. Coverage from Sky Sports indicated the event featured a blend of community spirit and historic reflection, with West Ham embracing their local hero’s legacy.

What was Lennox Lewis’s contribution to the event and what did he share about his experiences?

Legendary heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis participated online in the West Ham event, joining the celebration of Jack Leslie’s legacy. Born in West Ham himself, Lewis reflected on the challenges of growing up Black in East London. As reported by Sky Sports, Lewis said: 

“Growing up in east London, any time a West Ham game was on I wasn’t allowed out – I had to stay in because of all the crowds and the trouble. The streets can be a dangerous place, and you’ve got to mind what you’re doing. My focus was always on more positive stuff.”

Lewis also spoke about his cultural identity and personal choices during his boxing career: 

“While I was training, I said, ‘I’m going to wear locks’. I wanted to be the first boxer to wear locks and win the heavyweight championship of the world. The culture, the music, the food – it’s in me, and my mum is my chef, just pure Jamaican food.” 

His words connected the historical struggle of Leslie with contemporary experiences of Black athletes.

Why does Jack Leslie’s story continue to resonate today?

Jack Leslie’s story is a powerful reminder of the barriers Black athletes faced in the past and the ongoing work required for equality in sport. His eventual recognition highlights how history can be revisited to correct past wrongs. As Lewis’s tribute shows, the legacy of pioneers like Leslie inspires new generations to embrace their heritage and pursue excellence despite adversity.