Last half term GCSE English Language and second year A Level English Literature students had the privilege of taking part in a lecture from Shaun Campbell, founder of local charity, the Arthur Wharton Foundation.
It was hard not to be enthused by Shaun as he told students about the history of Arthur Wharton, the first official fastest man – a World Record that would stand for over 30 years – the world’s first black professional footballer, and former Darlington resident.
Originally from Ghana, Wharton moved to Darlington to train as a missionary at Cleveland College, and it was there that he started his trailblazing sporting career; football player, professional cricketer and a rugby player!
But it wasn’t simply his sporting achievements that students were there to celebrate; they were also there to learn about and take inspiration from the resilience and drive that Wharton showed in the face of adversity.
And inspiration really did take hold, with several students encouraged to write a piece on Wharton and the foundation for a future edition of the college magazine, ‘Reign’, and with GCSE English students returning to class to create material for next year’s ’Black History Month’, promoting the story of Wharton and the important values that he represents.
If you’d like to learn more about Arthur Wharton and the amazing work of the foundation, then take a look at their website: https://arthurwhartonfoundation.org
