• Home
• News

1 October 2025  3 min read

Black History Month: 'Our people, our passion, our undeniable contribution' - EDI Chair Brandie Deignan

Basketball has always been more than just a game to us. It has been a language of hope spoken fluently in our localities, courts and community centres across our cities towns and villages. For many Black families, it became a space where identity and belonging could flourish.

When you look at any court in England, you see the Black British community thriving.

Our impact on basketball is not just statistical, though the numbers speak volumes about our representation at all levels.

It is cultural.

It is the way we have brought creativity to the court, turning basketball into an art form that reflects our broader cultural contributions to our society. It is the way our communities have embraced the sport, creating pathways where formal systems sometimes fell short. Our fingerprints are everywhere.

But let us be honest about where we are today. While we celebrate our contributions, we must also acknowledge that representation in decision-making spaces has not always matched our presence on the court. Creating pathways for equity is not just about fairness, it is about unlocking the full potential of our sport. The beauty of basketball is that it demands excellence from everyone, regardless of background. Yet we know that achieving that excellence requires equal access to opportunities, coaching, facilities and pathways to success.

Black History Month gives us a moment to celebrate how far we have come while honestly assessing how far we still need to go.

To the young Black players reading this, I say to you, your heritage in this sport runs deep. Every time you step onto that court, you are continuing a tradition of excellence, creativity, and resilience. The courts are yours not because you have been given permission, but because you have earned your place through talent, dedication and love for the game.

To parents in our communities, I say this - basketball is not just sport, it is leadership development, it is confidence building, it is community connection. When you support your children's basketball journey, you are investing in skills that extend far beyond the court.

This Black History Month, let us celebrate not just what we have achieved, but what we are building for the future. Let us honour the pioneers who made space for us and commit to expanding that space for everyone who comes next.

Basketball in England is stronger because of our contributions. But it will only reach its full potential when everyone in our communities can access every opportunity the sport provides.

The game belongs to all of us. Our story within it deserves to be celebrated, honoured, and continued with even greater purpose.

Black History Month - Find Out More