CHELSEA’S FIRST black player, Paul Canoville, will be the centre of attention again during Black History Month.
The Let’s Talk Show and Venus Promotions will present a Black History Month Special…An Evening with Paul Canoville next month in north London.
The occasion – on Saturday, October 19 – will see his powerful moving documentary screened; find out how he fought racism, drugs and cancer.
Patricia Wharton aka Blaze from Chalkhill Community Radio and Brother Omowale from Alkebu-Lan and Galaxyafiwe.com will interview Canoville about his journey.
There will also be an opportunity for participants to ask questions.
Canoville, now 57, will also share information in regards to his foundation. The foundation works with young people facing various issues in today’s society.
West London-born Canoville was signed by Chelsea from Hillingdon Borough in 1981, and went on to win the Second Division title with the club in 1983–84.
However, he was more notable as the first black player to play for Chelsea, and for the negative reception he received from the racist elements of Chelsea supporters.
He was sold to Reading for £60,000 in August 1986, before retiring from the professional game due to a serious knee injury the following year.
After retiring he beat crack cocaine addiction and cancer, and penned an award-winning autobiography in 2008 entitled Black And Blue.
Venue for the occasion is The Stay Club, 16-18 Charcot Road, London NW9 5WU.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
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True Chelsea legend won’t forget what you did for us
I was at Hillsborough for the phenomenal second half performance by Paul Canoville. That game made him one of my favourite Chelsea players.
Much later, I read his book “Black and Blue”. It opened my eyes – to my shame – to my ignorance of all that Mr. Canoville had to suffer as the first black man playing football for Chelsea.
He is, in my opinion, a true Chelsea legend.