Richard Braithwaite
For Black History Month, Future Figures recognises those members who are giving back to the Black community, and a spotlight on amazing individuals making Black history now.
As Part of Black History Month 1Xtra once again celebrates its Future Figures. Future Figures is a way to recognise those members who are giving back to the Black community, and a time to celebrate the countless acts that are taking place up and down the country today by those who are helping to create the black history of tomorrow.
Richard writes:
My name is Richard Braithwaite aka Mr Silky skills from Liverpool age 54.
From age 19 to 32 my youth work was recognised by fellow workers as very unique, outgoing, welcoming to all walks of life, quick witted and firm but fair which led to me earning role model status, the respect of members and their parents across the community.
Leaving the youth club was the biggest gamble of my life as it was a comfort zone, but I wanted to challenge myself and began this by organising community events with a friend who will always be regarded as the best Somalian footballer ever to play in Liverpool, Jama Warsame. We delivered three of the most unique and memorable tournaments our community has witnessed, basketball, the first Ramadan football tournament which I integrated local boys for the holy period and the event which would change my life, Silky skills freestyle football which the Liverpool Legend John Barnes attended and kindly launched for me due to a special family friend.
Here's my success story, coping with the unfairness of school teachers, and the lack of working opportunities due to discrimination, being regarded as a role model, integrating young people from deprived and diverse communities, becoming the founder of Silky skills football freestyle in Liverpool also the most unique freestyler in the world, taking my five daughters and a number of young boys on a journey of a lifetime learning silky skills, becoming professionals, peer educators and young role models also performing at Everton and Liverpool, I also performed at Man City and Man Utd, I've travelled internationally, featured on TV for the African cup of Nations trailer, on Sky sports news, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ inside out and supported and helped to raise millions for charities, such as the Marina Dalglish Appeal, Tsunami, Cancer Support, Fibromyalgia and I also worked for brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, Pepsi, Doritos, Seat, JD sports, sports direct and I continue to support organisations, local charities in the city I deduct my fee in order for them to do more with the little funding they get.
I am now in my 21st year of being the founder of Silky skills and I'm proud to say I continue to inspire integrate and develop young boys and girls’ skills and most importantly encouraging them to stay on the straight and narrow pathway to success to make themselves and families proud.
