The campaign, which launched during last year’s Black History Month, is our continued commitment to championing Black trailblazers from the Chelsea community all year round.

To celebrate the role of our stewards in making history, Chelsea Foundation is highlighting Mark, Basilio and Cheryl’s contributions to supporting our fans at Stamford Bridge.

Here, we ask them some questions…

Why do you think a campaign like Making History Everyday is important for a club like Chelsea to do?

Basilio
Chelsea hasn’t always had a positive reputation, but recent squads are the opposite and a reflection of how far we have come. I only have to look at my colleagues to see that the change has spread to all positions at the club.

Mark
We need to raise awareness of the positive contributions difference makes to our community. Unfortunately, there has been too much negative narratives promoting segregation and expulsion. We need to correct the narrative and celebrate the diversity which makes our club rich.

Thinking about all the ‘history makers’ who have paved the way across society, who has been your biggest inspiration and why?

Basilio
Nelson Mandela, who I centred my whole life around. His release from prison was felt positively throughout the entire world. My father, Bazilio Olara-Okello, whose name I bear, is another huge inspiration. He was a Ugandan military officer and one of the commanders of the Uganda National Liberation Army who fought and helped overthrow Idi Amin in 1979. I must also mention Paul Marcellus Elliott, the superstar who took over my bedroom walls when he signed from Celtic and he has gone on to do great work with Kick It Out.

Mark
It is easy to look outwards at famous figures and look to them for inspiration. However, my history makers are my grandfather and his siblings who travelled here from the Caribbean, destined to make a new life for their family. After being invited to this country to help rebuild after the war, they were faced with signs on windows stating ‘No Blacks’. They took the lowest-paid jobs, for people who treated animals better than they treated them. They paved a way for me and my family; they paved a way like many other first-arrivers. Our grandparents and parents went through so much to make a better life for us.

How would you explain the importance of Black representation (or diversity more generally) within the matchday safety team?

Mark
I believe a management group should be a representative of their staff team. However, what should always be paramount is the person’s ability to handle the duties of the job. Therefore, the colour of someone’s skin should not be a barrier to career progression. This is the case within the matchday safety team.

Basilio
I grew up at a time when hardly anyone looked like me, especially in the stands. To now be a part of a workforce that is the face of the game on match days, with people from all walks of life in our ranks, sends a clear and precise message that times have indeed changed.

What impact can diversity in the matchday safety team have on match-going fans from under-represented backgrounds?

Mark
They will see the safety team is diverse and would hope this means their experience is free from discrimination.

Basilio
The joy of following your team home and away without fear is beyond comprehension and to know that you are not alone no matter where you go is a blessing. I see more and more families from all backgrounds attending and it’s increasing every season, especially in the Women's Super League. It has also enabled me to meet people from all over the world.

What positive changes have you seen on matchdays since you became a steward at Chelsea?

Basilio
It is a totally different landscape from when I started against Portsmouth on 28 December 2003. Women, children and those with additional needs have all benefited and it’s been a pleasure to be part of it. Any abuse I have had to report has been dealt with swiftly and strongly by the club and the improvement of technology has helped our duties tremendously.

Mark
Looking back now, when I joined Chelsea, they were still dealing with issues within the fan group; behaviour towards people viewed as different. Over the last 25 years, we have collectively supported the club to transform the behaviour and the understanding of our fan base.

What does it mean to you personally to be chosen as a history maker, and what would you say your greatest achievement has been so far?

Mark
During my time at Chelsea I have been heavily involved in recruitment and training. I am proud when colleagues approach me, after being here for their first season or their 10th, and speak so positively of the training and introduction I gave to them to help them become a productive member of the Chelsea family.

Basilio
It is an honour to be chosen. My son was the first person I told with pride and as he is of dual heritage, this topic paints a picture of his-story. I have seen so many pioneers who have inspired me and been a major influence throughout my life so far. This is my greatest achievement; to finally have my voice heard by the masses. I hope to have a similar impact on someone.

What inspired you to become a Chelsea FC steward?

Basilio
My younger brother sent me the job advert knowing I was a massive Blue. I applied and I'm still here 20 seasons later! Looking back, I can see that it helped give me belief in myself by helping others.

Mark
My love for the club, as a fan.

What’s your standout memory being a Chelsea steward?

Basilio
The privilege of meeting some of my childhood heroes, such as Ken Monkou, who I idolised in my youth as I was a defender just like him. I also met Paul Canoville - wow - we spoke about Dormers Lane Southall, where it turned out that we have both played on the same pitch! Another childhood hero that I am fortunate enough to have met was the late Cyrille Regis. Despite all that he had to endure, he had the most graceful smile.

Mark
In my time working for Chelsea I have seen so much success. Knowing my contribution and dedication to the daily functioning of our team makes me proud. The most stand-out moment was being there in Munich when we created history!