Tavernier Reflects on Pride as Rangers’ First Black Captain

The 32-year-old was named membership captain in 2018, which marked a big second within the historical past of the soccer membership.

Chatting with RangersTV to have fun Black Historical past Month, Tavernier mentioned: “I see it as a accountability for everybody and that I would like to steer by instance.

“What the membership does with Everybody Anybody, it consists of each variety on the planet.

“It’s about me being a task mannequin for everybody, however it could be inspiring for younger black children to see me within the place that I’m and hopefully it may well encourage them to push on and make their goals come true.

“[Racism] nonetheless exists. It’s essential for me to be a task mannequin for my children and be there for them if something occurs in life.

“I at all times say to them that day by day is about the way you apply your self; put your self in good positions and hold your self away from unhealthy conditions, then life ought to at all times pave the trail.

“Soccer could be essential. With the way in which that the world goes and the way progressive it’s now, it’s essential to incorporate everybody and ensure everyone seems to be inclusive in that.

“Our marketing campaign of Everybody Anybody brings everybody collectively and makes everybody included.

“It’s nice to see that the Ladies’s sport is getting greater and stronger, which is essential.

“Seeing the lads right here with all completely different spiritual backgrounds and catering for his or her wants; it makes them extra welcoming into the squad.”

Black Historical past Month within the UK is well known each October and offers folks the chance to share, have fun and perceive the influence of black heritage and tradition.

There have been a number of figures in Rangers’ previous who’ve paved the way in which for black gamers on the membership, together with the first-ever black participant to signal for the Gentle Blues, Walter Tull, again in 1917.

Tavernier continued: “There was a clip that I noticed from Morgan Freeman about Black Historical past Month not simply being celebrated in a single month, moderately it must be a complete 12 months celebration.

“Transferring ahead, I’d wish to see it eradicated and I don’t assume there’s a place on this planet the place it ought to exist, whether or not that’s sexism or racism.

“There must be nothing on the market which solely brings negativity to people. I’d love the world to be a optimistic place, and I do know in the true world that it’s most likely not, however we are able to at all times be highly effective in our actions as people in how we reply to one another.

“It’s at all times an essential month, however as I at all times say there are specific issues in life that shouldn’t solely be celebrated for a month.

“I consider it must be day by day – I deal with my children as if it’s their birthday day by day.

“It’s essential that Black Historical past Month is well known, however I consider it must be celebrated each single day.”

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