Ledley attends play to celebrate the life of Walter Tull
Wed 23 October 2024, 15:45|
Tottenham Hotspur
Our former captain Ledley King marked this year’s Black History Month by attending a play celebrating the life of Walter Tull.
Tull is recognised as the first black outfield player to appear in the Football League and played for us between 1909-1910.
His legacy went beyond his achievements on the field as he became the first British-born black combat officer in the British Army in 1917 following the outbreak of the First World War.
Tull was killed on 25 March 1918 at the age of just 29 during the second Battle of the Somme. He was posthumously awarded the British War and Victory Medal.
Our Little Hour explores the life of Tull and was brought to theatres this October by Show Racism the Red Card - the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity - to coincide with Black History Month.
The play opened at The Everyman Theatre on 8 October and will finish in the Royal and Derngate Theatre in Northampton on 2 November.
Playwright, Dougie Blaxland, described Our Little Hour as: “A celebration of the life of an extraordinary man whose pioneering spirit continues to inspire the campaign for justice and equality. It is also deeply fitting that the production will be staged throughout Black History Month and honour the memory of one of the most significant figures in British sporting and military history.”
Ledley attended an edition of the play at Greenwich Theatre in London before conducting a Q&A with the audience to reflect on the show and its themes.
Ledley said: “The first time I was aware of Walter Tull’s story was when I saw a picture of him in our old stadium at White Hart Lane. I was so intrigued by his story and how he became the first black outfield player in the football league. I thought to myself, here I am captain of this incredible football club, and it was down to Walter that I was able to follow this path, and who allowed me such a smooth transition to the role.
“I have been in workshops in schools around Tottenham where they are teaching young people about Walter Tull’s story, and I think that is so important for young people in our area, to learn about his story.”
Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity and specialises in delivering workshops to help tackle racism in society.
Last year, Ledley took part in a Show Racism the Red Card event at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that saw 100 primary school children take part in a series of workshops to explore ways to tackle hate-crime.
