Sep 16

Sep 16 Black Arsenal

Black Arsenal is a fascinating exploration of Arsenal Football Club's profound connection with Black British identity. Edited by Dr. Clive Nwonka and Matthew Harle, the book is an enchanting collection of narratives that spans the experiences of former players, fans and community members in North London. It sheds light on the club's significant role in shaping and reflecting Black identity across various cultural pillars, such as media, music, fashion, and politics. The stories are enriched with stunning photography that captures pivotal moments and the essence of this vibrant community, making Black Arsenal not just a book, but a powerful testament to the enduring impact of Arsenal on the Black community.

**Dr. Clive Chijioke at the Emirates stadium for the Black Arsenal Book launch**

The book embarks on a journey that begins with the late 1960s fanbase of the club, and how they, the fans, reflected the increasing diversity of London. This steady transformation was crucial for the area, as Dr. Clive notes, "Islington in the 50s, 60s, and 70s was very different from today. In the 70s, there was a significant National Front movement."

Iconic Black Arsenal footballers

And of course, Black Arsenal highlights the exceptional contributions of Black players like Ian Wright and Paul Davis. They not only excelled on the field but also became significant cultural figures. Dr. Clive praises Paul Davis for his role in bridging different eras, “Paul Davis is someone who deserves a lot of praise. He linked various periods, arriving in the 70s and enduring widespread racism across the UK. He paved the way for players like Michael Thomas, David Rocastle, Gus Caesar, and Kevin Campbell. Without Davis, Ian Wright might not have become the player he was, as Davis helped establish a foundation for Wright’s success. Without Wright, there would be no Thierry Henry, and without Henry, we wouldn’t have the current perception of Saka, the next torchbearer.”

The impact of Black Arsenal footballers on British culture

Arsenal's representation in Black British fashion, media, and music, is captured in this remarkable visual archive, showing how the club has become ingrained in the creative expression of Black artists. This influence and resonance is embraced by the club and can be seen in the music used for kit promotions and in projects like the Amazon Prime Arsenal documentary All or Nothing, narrated by longtime Arsenal fan Daniel Kaluuya. And even in kit designs such as the Jamaica-inspired jersey from the 22/23 season and the recent Africa-themed kit designed by Sierra Leone-born Foday Dumbuya.

Overall, the book surprisingly maintains an objective perspective, possibly because Dr. Clive grew up as a Liverpool fan, with John Barnes as his idol. However, he observed a significant shift in Black players coming through in Arsenal in particular, notably in figures like Ian Wright, who became synonymous with Black British culture. Growing up on a housing estate in North West London, Dr. Clive acknowledged Wright had a much more “identifiable vernacular, and ways of being and attitude that he recognised in the local barber shop or the streets in Harlesden”. This connection to Wright—and through him, to Arsenal—was felt widely among Black people in his area and beyond, including myself, where the Arsenal connection first began.

The book began as academic research in 2014/2015, with Dr. Clive initially envisioning it as a 2,000-page article for New Statesman. The core of the book emphasises how Arsenal Football Club “has transitioned into a symbol of diversity and plurality naturally, the transition was not planned or organised from the boardroom.” This natural evolution is presented as a particularly special aspect of the club’s identity.

**Femi Koleoso, Jeanette Kwakye, Dr. Clive Chijioke, Anita Asante and Paul Davis at the Emirates stadium for the Black Arsenal Book launch**

Arsenal, a legacy beyound the pitch

While some might point to Arsenal’s historic moment of being the only club in history to field nine Black players in a Premier League match against Leeds in 2002, Dr. Clive argues that no other club could serve as the subject of this story. According to him, Arsenal uniquely embodies an "organic connection" with the Black community. It's not just about the club itself, but how the “community’s diverse experiences, devotion, and identification with Arsenal have formed a deep bond”. This connection extends beyond the stands, to places like Holloway Road, local restaurants, and other communal spaces. It’s a sentiment that Arsenal fans are well familiar with.

Black Arsenal is out now and available to purchase online and in-store at all major bookstores.