Weston McKennie paid a special visit to Co-op Academy Oakwood recently to join a creative workshop in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month and Black History Month in America.
The midfielder was on hand to meet with Year 6 pupils during their Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion session with the Leeds United Foundation, hosted by local artist and avid Leeds United supporter Burley Banksy.
During the workshop, which forms part of the Premier League Primary Stars initiative, the students were able to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community along with discussing Black History Month and the Black Lives Matter campaign. The young pupils were then joined by the 24-year-old, and they were able to ask questions and chat with McKennie about his own personal experiences, whilst expressing themselves through painting their very own street box designs in support of the two campaigns, much like Burley Banksy has done across Leeds.
The USA international spoke to the Premier League during the visit and said: “We’ve been painting up some pretty cool designs today in support of the LGBTQ+ community and Black History Month and it was really nice to see the kids expressing themselves and being able to put everything down on a piece of paper.
“I think the more people are aware of these things, especially at a young age, the better it is. You don’t have to see something on the streets and wonder what’s happening and be confused by it. If we as players can help to bring awareness to important campaigns through the game they love and act as a positive influence, I think that’s really important.
“The message is to be accepting of everyone for what they are and who they are, and if programmes like this can give access to everyone to learn about new cultures, people, new things and ideas, then I think it just makes the world a better place.”
If you would like more information around the important work being done with the younger generation through educational programmes such as Premier League Primary Stars, please contact [email protected].
