As we celebrate Black History Month, Forge FC striker Brian Wright reflects on the significance of this time, his journey as an athlete, and the impact of Black athletes on the sport. Wright’s story is one of dedication, perseverance, and gratitude—one that resonates deeply with the ongoing fight for equality in sports and beyond.
For Wright, Black History Month is a time to acknowledge the progress made in sports and society. He recognizes that not too long ago, Black athletes were denied opportunities simply because of their skin colour. Today, he takes pride in seeing more Black athletes not only participating in sports but also excelling at the highest levels.
“It’s really great to see that a lot more athletes are having the opportunity to play sports and express themselves,” Wright shares.
Wright’s athletic journey is deeply connected to his Jamaican heritage. With both of his parents being born and raised in Jamaica, he grew up in a culture where sports, particularly track and field and football, were a way of life.
“For me, it was a pretty easy decision,” Wright says about choosing football. Being surrounded by the sport and witnessing its importance in his family made his path clear from an early age.
As a young footballer, Wright found inspiration in several athletes, but one name stands out—Didier Drogba. The legendary Chelsea striker, known for his power, skill, and leadership, was a huge influence on Wright’s development as a player.
“Especially being African American and playing for my favorite club Chelsea, I would say Drogba is a huge inspiration for me,” he explains.
For many young athletes, the dream of going pro can seem distant, but Wright was determined from a young age to make it a reality. His biggest accomplishment? Achieving that dream.
“I said from a very young age that this was my goal, and I set out to accomplish it. And I was able to accomplish it.”
His journey serves as a reminder that dedication and hard work pay off, and his success is a testament to his unwavering focus on his aspirations.
Behind every great athlete is a support system that makes sacrifices to help them succeed. Wright credits his parents for their unwavering support and sacrifices that helped him reach where he is today.
“My parents sacrificed tremendously for me when I was at a young age to be able to play soccer,” he says. “I’m forever grateful for that.”
Wright’s goal as a player extends beyond scoring goals—he wants to be remembered as an all-around footballer, someone who contributes in every aspect of the game.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a complete footballer, but I would say I’m aiming to try and be all-around complete in terms of goals, assists, whatever the team needs me to do.”
Reflecting on moments where Black history and football intersected, Wright highlights the events of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the world at a standstill, many people could no longer ignore the realities of racial injustice.
“The BLM movement was being pushed forward a lot because there was nothing else going on in the world. People were able to open their eyes to see what’s been going on for a long time.”
This period reinforced the importance of advocating for change and standing up for justice, both in sports and in society.
If Wright could give his younger self a message, it would be simple but powerful: work hard and stay coachable.
“Don’t take for granted your opportunity anytime you step on the pitch. Always work your hardest because you never know when it’ll be your last time playing.”
Brian Wright’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and dedication. As we celebrate Black History Month, his story serves as a reminder of the barriers that have been broken and the work that still needs to be done. Through his success, he honours the Black athletes who paved the way and inspires the next generation to chase their dreams with the same relentless spirit.