To celebrate Black History Month and the theme of “Saluting Our Sisters”, we spoke to Gabriella Taiwo, who plays for the Grays Athletic Girls Under 16’s.

What are your views on Black History Month?

Black History Month is a great time to acknowledge the struggle as well as the accomplishments of black people and black public figures. It gives a chance to celebrate people who would normally not be celebrated on a day to day basis and celebrate people who have contributed to the journey that black people had to take to be able to reach equality.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

To me Black History Month is a time to bring people together and to educate people who may not know much about our race and our culture. It allows us to take a deeper delve into our heritage and learn about the steps it took for us to become who we are.

Who inspires you?

My inspiration is Serena Williams as she overcame every obstacle and became one of the most celebrated female athletes of all time. Despite being black and being a women she didn’t let that come in the way of reaching her life long dreams and aspirations.

What message would you like for people to take away from this?

I would like people to take away that anything is possible and you shouldn’t let your skin colour get in the way of doing what you want and achieving what you want as we can all achieve what we believe in.

Thank you so much to Gabriella for sharing her thoughts with us and we are proud that you are a part of Grays Athletic Football Club