FURD
FURD's Howard Holmes, author of the Arthur Wharton and Albert Johanneson comic books, is currently in South Africa promoting the Albert Johanneson comic. Following a star-studded launch in Cape Town (see earlier story), the comic will be launched in Johannesburg on 27th April.
Barney Gaffney, the teacher/scout who recommended Albert 'Hurry Hurry' Johanneson to Leeds United in 1960 is to attend the Freedom Day launch of the comic, which tells the moving story of the first Black footballer to play in an FA Cup Final.
Mr Gaffney will be joined by contemporaries who played alongside Albert in the late 1950s.
Howard commented:
'We are thrilled that Barney is to attend the comic launch. He played a key part in opening doors for a number of South African players over half a century ago, a role that has been overlooked for far too long'.
It is hoped the comic will be widely circulated amongst young people in both South Africa and the United Kingdom, with its important lessons about racism within soccer and wider society.
The comic book, beautifully illustrated by Cape Town artist Archie Birch, is a collaboration between FURD and Cape Town's District Six Museum, with support from the British Council/South Africa Department of Arts and Culture Seasons programme, SAFPU players union, the Fare Network and PFA (UK).
The event will take place on 27th April, 11h00 for 11h30 at the Trevor Huddleston Memorial Centre in Sophiatown, Johannesburg.
For further information contact Sinethemba Malunga at the British Council (082 809 6055) or Howard Holmes (071 035 7243). The comic is also available from FURD.