BLACK ARSENAL

My picture of Prof. Anamik Saha celebrating a goal at Arsenal is featured in this new book by Clive Chijioke Nwonka & Matthew Harle, which explores the Club’s multicultural fandom and unique relationship with contemporary Black identity.

From music & fashion to politics & everyday experience, the book–a collection of essays & photographs–examines how Black iconography at Arsenal has transcended culture.

Anamik and I have been going to the Arsenal together since the Highbury days. And I feel proud that my picture accompanies his moving & powerful words about Black Arsenal and British Asians.

Anamik went to his first match in October 1985, when he saw three black Arsenal players on the pitch and felt an immediate connection. In his essay, he writes: “While Asians remain absent on the pitch, they are very present in the Arsenal crowd, and this produces an immense feeling of belonging, a rush I get at every match I attend.”

It’s a massive honour to feature in this important book alongside beautiful images + words by people/friends whose work I respect so much.