The Fans Museum celebrates Windrush Day with former SAFC stars and community

Howard Gayle, Ruebuen Agboola and Gary Bennett all appeared at The Fans Museum to host poignant and important discussions on racism in football and celebrate ongoing work in the wider community.

“There are lots of good people in Sunderland. I always felt the support of Sunderland fans anytime I pulled this shirt on. I know Reuben and Gary did too. That support has carried over to the work going on at Show Racism the Red Card. There’s still so much work to be done, but campaigns, initiatives and celebrations such as this help to educate and bring the community together.” – Howard Gayle, former SAFC and LFC player.

It was a pleasure to host Windrush Day Celebration 2025 at The Fans Museum recently – a collaboration with our partners Age UK and Near Neighbours to commemorate, educate and celebrate.

With Bobby Kerr in attendance, our special guests — @benno_4, Howard Gayle, and Reuben Agboola —spoke about their experiences growing up in a discriminatory and challenging era, as well as their playing experiences at SAFC, and their ongoing campaign work with @showracismtheredcard.

Sunderland AFC’s 1973 FA Cup-winning captain, Bobby Kerr, added: “To be an ambassador of The Fans Museum is a huge honour. What the team has accomplished in bringing the community together is nothing short of amazing. It was a pleasure speaking with Howard, Reuben and Gary. Although I was born in Scotland, I’m a very proud Mackem at heart and being part of the activities means I’m fortunate to experience the difference these events and celebrations have on people.”