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WORD UP.Bradford June 1st.www.cbc.clcstudents.org.uk.

word-up rap…(a space and a place for every race)

there has to be a space – there has to be a place
for ev’ry single member of the whole human race
but it starts in the playground – it starts as just a lark
it end up on the journey home-it ends up in the park
it ends up on the playing field -in the rain and thunder
sometimes you hear it-but you’re totally outnumbered
sometimes they’re older-or they’re bigger than you
but still there are options-and something you can do
word up – be a beacon be a light
speak out – let your football burn bright
word up

you can sing it you can wing it – you can act it out in class
you can scribble down your thoughts – before the feelings pass
word up – speak out – put it down upon the page
’cause life’s a stage..and this rage ..
we will erase it
if we face it
word up

you know…no-one has the right to abuse any other
no one has the right- be they stranger or brother
no one has the right to bully, taunt and and yell
but no one should be frightened to be the one to tell
speak out – word up

and twenty years ago – if your face was black
if you stood out on a football pitch – they’d be on your back
but just look around you – from Africa today
great players everywhere-we love to see them play
and this world is changing – feel it coming through
life is a lottery but football dreams come true
and who knows this time… an Asian tomorrow
when one come through ..the rest will follow
word up
speak out
let your words change hearts
word up

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© crispin 02

written for the forthcoming exciting inter-active football poetry event in Bradford on June 1..The event will be (among other things) exploring racism in football with students… and the Football Poets.(Stuart,Crispin,Danny and Paul)…..for more info go to www.cbc.clcstudents.org.uk…..with thanks to Keith and Stuart and also Piara and Zacia at Kick It Out www.kickitout.org who work diligently towards kicking racism out of football…and by the way the Asian angle is to highlight the current lack of any Asian players in any of the professional flights….albeit three up-coming youngsters are highlighted on the kick it out site..check it out..one a budding female and one who has already played at u-16 level for England!

Source: https://footballpoets.org/news/2002/05/20/word-up-bradford-june-1st-www-cbc-clcstudents-org-uk/