Turtle Beach

Celebrating Black History Month: A Conversation With Lauren James

Celebrating Black History Month: A Conversation With Lauren James

As part of Black History Month, Turtle Beach is proud to celebrate and spotlight the achievements of Black leaders within our own community through a series of conversations.

Today we are proud to be featuring Lauren James, forward for Manchester United Women.

Turtle Beach: What do you think about when you hear “Black History Month”?

Lauren James: Obviously every month is black history month to me, but having it is at least a step forward in educating many on the past that black people have been through. Educating is the start of change.

TB: When you were growing up, who inspired you? Who inspires you today?

LJ: Both my brothers were always an inspiration to me growing up. I always wanted to be better everyday to be able to beat them when playing football. Right now Naomi Osaka is an inspiration… doing what she’s doing is incredible and feeds my ambition to be the best.

TB: What would you say to your teenage self?

LJ: Don’t rely on your talent, because as you get older, talent means nothing and hard work takes over as the most important.

TB: What advice do you have for the younger generation?

LJ: Work harder than the next person, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t be what you want to be, always find a way, and most of all just be you!

TB: What is one thing you think people can do to keep the conversation about Black history going not just in the month of February but all year long?

LJ: Those who continue to push the conversation always open themselves up for criticism… never be afraid to speak up, no matter what the month is. Just continue to talk and be open, if many do small things then it quickly makes a big difference.

TB: What is one thing you think people can do to better the efforts around diversity and inclusion?

LJ: To always look past color, gender, sexuality, and take everyone at face value. We are all human. Hopefully in time this just happens naturally for everyone, but in the meantime make a conscious effort to be inclusive of all.

TB: What do you want your impact on the world to be?

LJ: I’d love to think that I can impact the world, but for now Id be happy pushing the Women’s Soccer/Football game as much as I can by doing what I do on the pitch, hoping that young black girls can watch me and see someone that looks like them, and inspire them to follow their dreams.


Lauren James is a professional football player for Manchester United Women. Find Lauren on Twitter and Instagram.