Jack Leslie played inside forward for Plymouth Argyle from 1921-1935 and died in 1988, age 87. At a time when statues are being pulled down or moved into museums, people are trying to crowdfund a statue in his honour.
Despite being called up for England in 1925, he never actually played for the national team. In fact, the call up was withdrawn once some of the FA board saw his photo, and he was told not to bother travelling. If he had played, he would have become the first black player to play for England. As it was, that milestone wasn't achieved until Viv Anderson played for England in 1978.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53184615
And the campaign that wants to honour him:
https://jackleslie.co.uk/
Despite being called up for England in 1925, he never actually played for the national team. In fact, the call up was withdrawn once some of the FA board saw his photo, and he was told not to bother travelling. If he had played, he would have become the first black player to play for England. As it was, that milestone wasn't achieved until Viv Anderson played for England in 1978.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53184615
And the campaign that wants to honour him:
https://jackleslie.co.uk/