Black History Month is an important time of year to celebrate the contributions of Black people to British society, as well as reflect on the history, culture and struggles of the African and Caribbean diaspora in the UK. 

At Brentford, we recognise the valuable contributions of the Black community at our club. Importantly, this appreciation isn’t just during Black History Month, but throughout the year. 

'Celebrating Us': a special exhibition  

To mark Black History Month, we are profiling some of our Black players and staff.  The exhibition, called 'Celebrating Us' is available to view in Entrance C and in the north stand at Gtech Community Stadium this Saturday at our fixture against Ipswich.

Read about our staff and players, including Josh Dasilva and Rico Henry, who speak about Black historical figures who have inspired them and the legacy they wish to leave behind.  

For our supporters who are unable to get to the Gtech this Saturday, the exhibition can be viewed online now.

Bee A Hero: know your blood type and register to donate on Saturday 

Almost 400 new blood donors from all backgrounds are needed each day to ensure there is the right blood available for patients who need it.  

In particular, 40,000 more Black donors are needed to meet the growing demand for better-matched blood. A match is most likely to come from a donor of the same ethnicity. Currently, only 1.5 per cent of donors in England are Black, who are ten times more likely to have Ro and B positive blood types urgently needed to treat sickle cell disease. 

Sickle cell is an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become half-moon shaped, which makes it harder for the cells to move around the body, causing complications, such as painful episodes, frequent infections and anemia. 

There are around 15,000 people in the UK living with sickle cell, approximately 90 per cent of whom are Black.  

All fans are invited to test their blood type at the Fan Hive between 12.30pm-2.30pm at our game on Saturday. Supporters will get a chance to meet Josh Dasilva from 1.30pm and the Sickle Cell Society will be present, so fans can find out more about sickle cell disease.