SPORTING AND CIVIC LEGENDS PAINT PICTURE OF TOLERANCE

A CAMPAIGNER leading a project which aims to recognize the unsung role people of different backgrounds have had on Plymouth’s history has urged the CITY council to recognize the ‘unique’ role the city has had in British multiculturalism.

- ANDY PHILLIPS

Rachel Hawadi is the project manager of the Hidden Figures campaign, which aims to recognize the input of people of other races or backgrounds on Plymouth’s past.

While the story of Plymouth Argyle legend Jack Leslie is well known, Rachel is also campaigning for greater recognition of Jimmy Peters, the first black England rugby union player.

Mr Peters represented England in 1906, yet it was 82 years before another black man was selected for England.

Together with Mary Seacole, sometimes recognized as the ‘black Florence Nightingale’ and whose name adorns a building and a road in Plymouth, it paints a picture of a society more open-minded than it has been given credit for.

Rachel said: “I think it’s quite interesting that the first black rugby player [Jimmy Peters] and the first black football player [Jack Leslie] to be picked for England – although then he didn’t play – all have an affiliation with Plymouth. What are the chances of that?