In this year’s theme of Honouring Our Communities, the work shows portraits of Black people from across City’s community linked by a scarf that carries the words of Lemn Sissay’s 2025 poem The Stadium Speaks.
Find out more about our participants
Created by Liam Hopkins, an artist based in Manchester, the piece includes Rico Lewis and Jade Rose from our men’s and women’s squads, staff members and season ticket holders all as one.
Jahmal Williams-Thomas, City Matters Black and Mixed Heritage representative and one of the figures in the artwork, says recognising Black History Month is crucial to City not just because of the Black players that have worn our shirt but also the location of our former home, Maine Road.
“Black History Month means a lot to me,” he began.
“It’s a massive part of our identity as a club and it’s very important that we honour that and the fans that come to us.
“City have strong roots in Moss Side where there’s a massive Black population so it’s really a part of the club’s DNA.”
One of those fans that remembers City playing at Maine Road is Kwesi, another participant in the piece.
“Black History Month is a reminder of the importance of heritage and involvement,” he said.
“When it comes to this club, I came to support City is through car minding [children looking after fan’s cars on matchdays for pocket money] and Clive Wilson, a Black player at Manchester City.
“In those days, City weren’t doing what they are doing now [on the pitch] but that was important for me and why I support City.”
Meanwhile, seeing Black faces at City and in local football played a big role in Aadi’s journey to becoming a coach with City in the Community.
“Black History Month to me means being seen, appreciated, valued,” he said.
“When I was a kid, I’ve been able to see myself in coaches, players, people I look up to. Since I was young, I’ve always had Black influences around me, especially coaches.
“My dad was always on the sideline too and I’d look up to him because he used to play. I’ve always had someone to look up to.”
And there’s plenty of other opportunities in football beyond playing and coaching, as Dean, another participant and City staff member is testament to.
“I’ve worked here for nearly nine years now and it has been a place where I’ve been able to grow, stand out and get a lot of things done,” he said.
“I can feel the value that I bring to the club and the value that it brings to my life as well.
“Black people, Black players, Black members of staff are woven into the tapestry of how this place works.
“For example, I am thinking of [former goalkeeper and Head of CITC] Alex Williams, who was here for such a long time and remains in the family.
“We’ve got players from the past who were trendsetters when they were playing and now it makes me so proud to see people from where I come from too. That’s what really brings us together.”
A men’s matchday at the Etihad Stadium might see the likes of Marc Guéhi, Jérémy Doku and Antoine Semenyo proudly represent us on the pitch.
But there is so much more to a day at City than the 90 minutes of football.
Victoria, a playmaker who ensures the best possible experience for guests, is also involved in this artwork.
And she says she feels every game is a celebration of the community around her.
“To me, Black History Month is celebration and inclusion. I’m Nigerian so I love seeing my culture celebrated and I like being with people who relate with me,” she said.
“Anybody who is interested in hearing my experience and including me in the process of celebrating football.
“Coming to the stadium and watching a game is a great chance for celebration and I love seeing that first hand.”
It’s fans like Bibi, who travels from Doncaster for every home game, who have been made to feel even more welcome by people like Victoria.
She says that she didn’t necessarily feel the Etihad Stadium would be a place for her before visiting, but now encourages anyone who felt the same as her to give it a go.
“When I was young, my mum never felt comfortable to let me go to the Etihad because even though there was Black players, there wasn’t many Black fans shown in the stands.
“When I became an adult, I was too scared to come but after COVID, I thought you know what I’m going to go.
“When I turned up, everyone was so friendly. That’s what I want everybody to feel. We’re a very friendly club and everyone matters. That’s what City means to me. Everyone will feel welcome.
“Come to the stadium. I’m telling you, you will not be disappointed. It will be your new favourite place. It’s like Christmas day for me every time I come.
“If I can come from Doncaster every home game and follow City home abroad, then you can do it. It’s the friendliest place on Earth.”
