Tavernier Reflects on Pride as Rangers' First Black Captain

The 32-year-old was named club captain in 2018, which marked a significant moment in the history of the football club.

Speaking to RangersTV to celebrate Black History Month, Tavernier said: “I see it as a responsibility for everyone and that I need to lead by example.

“What the club does with Everyone Anyone, it includes every diversity on the planet.

“It’s about me being a role model for everyone, but it would be inspiring for young black kids to see me in the position that I am and hopefully it can inspire them to push on and make their dreams come true.

“[Racism] still exists. It’s important for me to be a role model for my kids and be there for them if anything happens in life.

“I always say to them that every day is about how you apply yourself; put yourself in good positions and keep yourself away from bad situations, then life should always pave the path.

“Football can be very important. With the way that the world is going and how progressive it is now, it’s very important to include everyone and make sure everyone is inclusive in that.

“Our campaign of Everyone Anyone brings everyone together and makes everyone included.

“It’s great to see that the Women’s game is getting bigger and stronger, which is very important.

“Seeing the lads here with all different religious backgrounds and catering for their needs; it makes them more welcoming into the squad.”

Black History Month in the UK is celebrated every October and gives people the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.

There have been several figures in Rangers’ past who have paved the way for black players at the club, including the first-ever black player to sign for the Light Blues, Walter Tull, back in 1917.

Tavernier continued: “There was a clip that I saw from Morgan Freeman about Black History Month not just being celebrated in one month, rather it should be a whole year celebration.

“Moving forward, I’d like to see it eradicated and I don’t think there is a place in the world where it should exist, whether that’s sexism or racism.

“There should be nothing out there which only brings negativity to humans. I’d love the world to be a positive place, and I know in the real world that it’s probably not, but we can always be powerful in our actions as humans in how we respond to each other.

“It’s always an important month, but as I always say there are certain things in life that shouldn’t only be celebrated for a month.

“I believe it should be every day – I treat my kids as if it’s their birthday every day.

“It’s important that Black History Month is celebrated, but I believe it should be celebrated every single day.”

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