Welsh charity relishing crucial role showing racism the red card

Dean Pymble, 38, is the campaign manager for Show Racism the Red Card, Wales, the UK's leading anti-racism charity, working with schools and families to educate people about how racism manifests itself and how to challenge it personally and institutionally.

Pymble joined the charity in 2021 and revealed that thanks to vital support from The National Lottery through  The National Lottery Community Fund, he has since seen a meteoric rise in support on their anti-racism journey across the country.

"We don't just work within sport, but across all different sectors," he said.

"But using positive role models, whether that's professional footballers or someone who is influential in their community or faith setting, we share that anti-racism message.

"The charity was started by Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop after he experienced racist abuse from fans and fast-forward 27 years, Shaka’s charity is all about using the passion that young people have as a vehicle to spread the anti-racism message.

"Lots of children are passionate about sport and if they see their favourite footballer, rugby player or netballer spreading that anti-racism message then they will be inspired to be like them.

"It's vitally important for us to receive funding such as that from The National Lottery as it helps us continue this important work that might not have been done otherwise."

In commemoration of Black History Month, The National Lottery unveiled a wire-frame installation, created by Lazerian Studios, in the shape of the HMT Windrush at Tilbury Docks, the port when there ship first docked in 1948.

Five portraits created by abstract expressionist artist Jade Pearl showcase portraits of people and projects who have done incredible things with the help of National Lottery players who raise £30 million every week for good causes, including Roxanne Beckles ,one of ther education workers for Show Racism the Red Card.

The five portraits created by Jade Pearl celebrate and reflect upon the huge contribution made by Windrush pioneers and their families across the UK.

Portraits include Shereen Ingram who helped organise art and music festival, FAM Fest, created by NorFAMtoN; Thelma Matilda, who inspired The Thelma Matilda Alves Foundation which create Black Women wellbeing initiatives; Madgerine Thomas and Reverend Charlton Thomas from MENFA: Mentoring for All; Roxanne Beckles from Show Racism the Red Card and Icylin Douglas from Windrush: The Story Continues, created by Feed My Creative. 

Show Racism the Red Card, this year, has also produced a Windrush pack which was sent out to over 300 schools across Wales for teachers to take part in.

The pack included resources to upskill teachers on the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush arriving in Britain and who the Windrush generation were.

Pymble said: "When we're creating education resources, we use key events.

"We had seen that the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation was coming up and we wondered how we could create some resources to show who the Windrush generation are and what they bring to the country.

"It was about celebrating who they are and what they achieved.

"And through the funding of The National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to create a pack which upskilled teachers to be able to deliver the activities to young people.

"It's about telling those untold stories and the real truths that we don't often hear."

The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, has awarded more than £1.2 million to more than 140 community groups across the UK commemorating Windrush 75 this year. In addition, the funder gave more than £50 million to over 1,000 projects supporting Black communities across the UK last year, demonstrating its ambition to invest most in places, people and communities experiencing poverty, disadvantage and discrimination. 

David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, added: “The 75th anniversary of Windrush is a great opportunity to recognise and embrace the endeavours and legacy of Windrush pioneers and their families. Communities have chosen many ways in which to mark this historic occasion and the lasting contribution made to the UK. Thanks to their incredible efforts and the support of National Lottery players we are proud to have awarded over £1.2 million across the UK to commemorate Windrush 75 and ensure the legacy lives on.”