A fascinating, yet sad, postscript to his life
Andy Griffith (twitter June 2020)
My Dad and how racism affected his life
My (step) dad died last year. His name was Emerson Griffith. He was from Barbados and came to England in 1961
Emerson first came into my life aged 10 when he started to go out with my mum.
From initially being ‘Uncle Em’ my brother and I asked him after a few years if we could call him Dad.
A little about his life.
He was one of nine kids.
He left the West Indes and came to Britain (in 1961).
He started as a welder at British Oxygen.
Like many other black workers he faced daily discrimination with the National Front symbol scratched on his locker.
He went on to work as a driver for the GPO
His main hobby was football which I shared with him.
He was a football referee/linesman.
Luckily I was the same shoe size and I used to get his old boots.
I’d play for my school in the morning then rush back to go with him to a match.
It’s an interesting perspective being a white son of a black father.
Sitting in the stands I had to hear various racial slurs against him.
Black this, black that. Interestingly some of these people were very pally with him after the game.
Emerson became the first black official in the football league in the 1980s.
He was a linesman who incurred lots of abuse both verbal and physical. He was often spat upon.
I’m biased of course but I think the reason the F.L. did not promote him to referee was down to racism.
He was an excellent referee at Isthmian League level - a good semi pro standard.
Like many black footballers at the time such as the late, great Cyril Regis, who dad officiated a few times,
Howard Gayle, Laurie Cunningham and many others he faced all the abuse with much dignity and stoicism.
Sadly last year Emerson died. He died a bitter man with severe mental health problems.
It was one of the worst days of my life when I had to get him sectioned under the mental health act.
His pain was large. He had faced lots of hate.
He faced so much unfairness and hate. He loved a glass of rum and a good joke.
The last years of his life ended especially badly but they were good times too.
To all of those who helped him in the GPO and in his officiating I thank you. Many kind words kept him going.
Reply from Michael James (Horsham)
I was a referee on the F.L. when he ran the line to me.
We had a good time together joking about various subjects including his colour.
He always said he could tell the people who meant comments and ones that were joking.
Just remember how happy he was when running line on FL and how proud he was to be first black official.
My wife and I often talk with affection about him and your mum who we met at various conferences.