Arthur Wharton was born in Ghana in 1865. In 1883, he moved to Darlington, England where he began his amazing sporting career.
Arthur became the first black professional footballer, the first official fastest man, a professional cricketer and a rugby player.



Arthur Wharton Foundation
The Arthur Wharton Foundation was created to celebrate the life and achievements of a true national and international sporting pioneer.
We do this through education and events aimed at promoting equality and diversity to change the hearts and minds of a generation.

BLOGS AND LATEST NEWS
Ghana Independence Day 2021
Blog post written by Shaun Campbell (2 minute read) Well, its been quite a week preparing and realising the Ghana Independence Day celebration (6th March) Mural at our Foundation building. For me, and for the ethos of what we do, this is an important day to recognise and to celebrate, as it is through theContinue reading Ghana Independence Day 2021
Arthur Wharton – 23rd February 1895
Blog post written by Danny Howes (5 minute read) Arthur Wharton #1 for Sheffield United Arthur Wharton – Saturday 23rd February 1895, started in goal for Sheffield United against Sunderland AFC. This important Division One game was played at Newcastle Road, Sunderland, in front of an estimated crowd of 6,000. This was league match numberContinue reading Arthur Wharton – 23rd February 1895
Mural Mural on the Wall
Blog Post written by Danny Howes (5 minute read) Can you believe it? Only three months has passed since world famous mural artist Jay Kaes and a crew from BT Sport arrived in Darlington to film the painting of the Arthur ‘Kwame’ Wharton mural. Time has flown by and sadly due to Covid, many peopleContinue reading Mural Mural on the Wall
arthur wharton – MUSIC #1
Blog post by Danny Howes – Saturday 12th December 2020 We have a special treat for you, on what has been a memorable day spent commemorating the 90th Anniversary of Arthur Wharton’s death in 1930. A Musical Film: featuring ‘Arthur Wharton #1’s’ from a number of celebrated people from the music industry, including; Gregory Porter,Continue reading arthur wharton – MUSIC #1
Arthur ‘kwame’ Wharton – 90 Year commemoration
12th December 2020 – Blog Post written by Shaun Campbell Today marked the 90th Anniversary of the death of Arthur Wharton, and what an emotional and poignant day this has been! It was important to mark the occasion appropriately and what better way to do this than to ensure that Arthur’s headstone was put right,Continue reading Arthur ‘kwame’ Wharton – 90 Year commemoration
Partners of Arthur Wharton Foundation
