Xcellence Windrush Special - Love Thy Neighbour

XCELLENCE

Headlinepages

5-6:Peopleinpower CllrDanDe’Ath

7-14:Education

DARPLConference

YusufIbrahim:CardiffandVale

23-35: BOMB

BlackOwnedMinorityBusinesses

37-51:HowGreatThouArt: PattiFlynn

57-61:IAM

InterviewwithRomaTaylor

62-67:PeopleandPlaces

MajorPeterHarrison

NatalieJones

68-76StarsareBorninWales

InterviewwithSteveRobinson

What's inside:

78-80HealthandWellbeing

KeepWalesTidy,TransformingCommunities

Withthankstoourfreelancewriters:

RicardoErasmus

NatalieJones

JessieGrace

MohammedHersiFarah

KimberlyJeffrey

ZiolaGarman

MariaPascal

LisaPeregrine

Poetry:

YvonneHoward-Bunt AnthonyPembleton

ArtBackcover: ChristineSomersall

Frontcoverphotography: ReubenMulenga

Specialthankstoallourcontributorswhomadethisspecialeditionpossible!

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info@bexcellence.co.uk

Toviewperviousissues,visitwwwbexcellencecouk

WalesRugbyUnion

Special thanks to students from Cardiff University:

Sebastian Wooden, Zachary Mullen, Nowshin Hossain and Adhitya Gada.

Legal Disclaimer: Xcellence Magazine, all information, interviews and events, were accurate at the time of print We do not accept liability for any distorted, content in relation to the people and places outside of this publication

Editor's Note

Peoplearethedrivingforcebehindourworldscontinuousmotion,butthosewith heartsdedicatedtoservicearetheoneswhotrulyenhanceourworld Inthisspecial editionofXcellence,wejoyouslycommemoratethe75thanniversaryoftheWindrush generation apeopleIfondlyrefertoasthe'goldengeneration Thesecherished neighboursfromtheCaribbeanIslandsinfuseournationwiththeirgoldentouch Their unwaveringsupportandcommitmenttotheUKhaveplayedanindispensablerolein shapingtheinfrastructureweenjoytoday,spanningtransportation,industry, healthcare,leisure,arts,cuisine,music,andmore Justimagine,withouttheir presence ourikkleislandwouldlackthevibranttapestryitboaststoday Thiseditionholdsadistinctflavor;here,wehonorindividualswithbiographies, portraits anddetailsonhowyoucanengagewiththeseremarkablesouls Perhaps youmightconsiderinvitingthemtoyourschoolsororganizationstosharetheir inspiringwork Asyouflipthroughthesepages youllhavethepleasureofmeeting someoftheeldersandtheirdescendantsofthegoldenera

Wecouldhavecontinuedtoshowcaseanendlessarrayofexceptionalindividuals,for therearecountlessunsungheroesamongus Selectingjustafewwasaformidable task Nonetheless,Itrustthateachstoryencapsulatestheessenceofthewonderful peoplefromtheCaribbeanIslandswhoareresponsibleformakingWalesasplendid nation,richlyinfusedwithsunshineandanunwaveringloveforall

Onanothernote: Ibelievethat Inclusion'hasbecomeabitofabuzzwordlately,whichreallydoesn't givehonortothepeoplewhohavemadeWalesandtheUKtheplaceitistoday Usingtheword'inclusion tome says:'Hey thisisourplace butweseeyou;we includeyou Idonotthinkthatisgoodenoughinmybook!Iprefertousetheword 'infusion

AccordingtotheOxforddictionary 'infusion means:'Aninfusionofsomething(into something)(formal):theactofaddingsomethingtosomethingelseinorderto makeitstrongerormoresuccessful Isn'tBritainmoresuccessfulandstronger becauseoftheinfusionof other'peoplesettlinghere?Yes,itis ThatswhyBritain invitedpeoplefromthecoloniestotheUKtohelprebuildthenationafterWW2,and asaresult theUKhasbeenthebeneficiaryofourneighboursskills talents and expertise,makingtheUKofthestrongestandmostsuccessfulnationsontheplanet apparently!Weinvitedourneighbours who withoutthem wewouldnothavetheNHS whichwasonceoneofthemostenviedhealthcareinfrastructuresintheworld So please letsstartusingtheword'infusion andgivecreditwhereitisduetoour neighbourswhosacrificedtheirhomes,families,careers,andsunshinetomakethe UKwhatitistoday Wemustdobetterthanjustsaying Iseeyou';wemustsay 'withoutyou,wewouldnotbeGreatBritain

“Thankyouforyourheartofservice neighbours weappreciateyou"

Nextissue:Winter2024

WewouldliketosayahugethankyoutoPingitNews&Books CouncilWalesforsupportingourvisionofbringingsomethinga littledifferenttotheFREEcommunitynewspublicspace Weare pleasedtoannouncethatBookCouncilWaleshasagreedto supportourvisionforthenext12months,providingwork experiencetoourtalentedpooloffreelancewriters

LoveDonnaAlix Founder&Editor-in-Chief

Itsgoodtorememberthatincrises natural crises humanbeingsforgetforawhiletheir ignorances theirbiases theirprejudices Fora littlewhile neighborshelpneighborsand strangershelpstrangers

--Maya Angelou

Thisworkwouldnotbepossible withouttheunwavering supportofUnLtd

Written by: Ifeoluwa Ishola, Race Council Cymru

WINDRUSH @75 ANNIVERSARY: CELEBRATION OF RESILIENCE AND STRENGTH

TheWindrush@75anniversarycommemoratesthearrivalof theHMTEmpireWindrushShip,bearingtheWindrush generationfromtheCaribbeanIslands.Britaincalled,andthe Windrushgenerationanswered,arrivingingreatnumbersto helprebuildthepost-warnation.Manyofthemwentonto makeinvaluablecontributionstoBritishandWelshsociety, culture,andtheeconomy,workinginsectorssuchastheNHS, Railways,andSteelindustries,amongothers.

Photosuppliedby:RaceCouncilCymru

@75

ThecelebrationoftheWindrushGenerationbeganon NationalWindrushDay the22ndofJune2023 atthe SeneddBuildinginCardiffBay Theeventcommenced withapoignantmarchledbytheesteemedWindrush EldersandCommonwealthNationals astheyjourneyed fromtheWalesMillenniumCentretotheSenedd Building,symbolisingapowerfulrepresentationofunity, resilience,andtheenduringspiritoftheWindrush community

TheeventwasgracedbydignitariesfromacrossWales includingtheRt Hon FirstMinisterforWales,Mark Drakeford,whowelcomedtheWindrushEldersand CommonwealthNationalswithheartfeltwords acknowledgingthesignificantimpactmadebythe WindrushgenerationonWalesandtheUnitedKingdom atlarge

Thedaywasfilledwithheartfelttributes,engaging activities,exhibitions,andculturalperformancesthat paidhomagetothevibrantcultureoftheWindrush community Additionally theWindrush@75Music Festivaltookplaceonthe22ndofJulyattheCityHallin Cardiff Thisfestivalwasorganisedtocelebrateand honourthesignificantcontributionsoftheWindrush EldersandCommonwealthNationalstothecultural landscapeofCardiffandtheUnitedKingdomasa whole

Themusicfestivalfeaturedadiverselineupofartists whoskillfullyserenadedtheWindrushEldersand attendees,creatinganatmosphereofjubilationand dance Theperformancesshowcasedavarietyofmusic genres,reflectingtherichanddiverseheritageofthe Windrushgenerationandtheirimpactontheartsin Wales

TheWindrush@75nationalcelebrationdayatthe SeneddwasfundedbytheWelshgovernmentand otherpartners includingRaceCouncilCymru The Windrush@75MusicFestivalwasmadepossible throughthefundingsupportoftheArtsCouncilof WalesandreceivedproudsupportfromCardiffCouncil andotherpartners

Overall,theWindrush@75MusicFestivalprovedtobe ajoyousandmemorableoccasion,demonstratingthe appreciationandrespectfortheheritage contributions,andresilienceoftheWindrushEldersand CommonwealthNationals,aswellastheir descendantsinCardiffandacrossWales

TheWindrush@75Anniversaryeventsservedasamilestonemoment, remindingusoftheprofoundcontributionsmadebytheWindrush generationandCommonwealthNationalsandemphasisingthe importanceoffosteringasocietywhereeveryone'srightsand experiencesareacknowledgedandcelebrated.

MrandMrsHanniford

OneofWalesseldestWindrushcouples

MrsAzizandpupilsfromMount StuartprimarySchool

DrGraceKerry,AuntyRoma,andJaneHutt

People in Power

In conversation with: Donna Ali

D A N D E ’ A T H

Whoareyouandwhatdoyoudo?

I’mDanDe’Ath I’maCityCouncillorinCardiff representing thePlasnewyddarea–commonlyknownasRoath–onthe Council I’malsotheCabinetMemberresponsiblefor transportandstrategicplanninginthecity butI’mprobably bestknownforbeingthefirstBlackLordMayorofCardiff a roleIheldafewyearsago

Howdoyoudescribeyourculturalheritage?

I’mmixedrace,I’mhalfwhitebutmyfathercamefromthe CaribbeanislandofAntigua HecametoBritaininthe70s andIthinkheispartofthatWindrushgenerationofpeople whocameoverfrom1948to1971 Myfatherthoughwasa restaurantchef,wheretravelinginternationallywasn’t unusual,andheworkedinseveralhotelsinvariousdifferent partsofthecountry Hedoesn’tliveintheUKanymore though,whichIthinkisworthnoting Youoftengetthesense thatalotofpeoplethinkthatit'sthehighestaimofallBlack peopleintheworldtocomeandliveinWesterncountries when,infact,itreallyisn’tandIthink,generallyspeaking, Blackpeople’sthoughtsandfeelingsandhopesaround thingslikemigrationarefarmorecomplicated,andmore nuancedthenisoftenunderstood

WhatdoyouthinkBritainwouldlooklikewithoutmigration, suchastheWindrush?

Ithinkmigrationissomethingthatsbeenhappeningfor centuries–inbothdirections–andthecountrywouldbe unrecognisablewithoutit Migrantlabour,inparticular,isa cornerstoneoftheeconomyandit’sobviouslyalsohada majorsocial,culturalandartisticimpactonthenation,as Britainhashadonothernations It’showtheworldworks Theysaythatnomanisanisland,but,really,noislandisan islandeither

I think migration is something that’s been happening for centuries – in both directions – and the country would be unrecognisable without it.

‘You Can’t Be What You Can’t See’

Whatinspiredyourinterestpolitics?

Really,Ithinkitstheissueofinequalitythatbroughtmeinto politics Igrewupinapartofthecountrywheretherewere someverydisadvantagedplaces,liketheformermining townwhereIlived,afewmilesawayfromsome considerablymoreaffluentareas,whichputtheissueinto quitestarkperspective Iobviouslythinkissueslikerace, genderandsexualityareimportant butsocialclassisakey determinantofhowyourlifewillworkoutandpeopleare heavilyinfluencedandaffectedbyeconomicforcesoutside ofourcontrolandbythewaysocietyisstructured,sofor meitskey

WiththeWindrushgeneration,forexample,whatheldthem backwasn’tjustracism,itwasthefactthattheywere,inthe main,workingclass–doingworkingclassjobsthatwhite Britons“didn’twanttodo”-withfewornoassets Atthemomentitfeelslikesocialmobilityhasgroundtoa halt,ifnotstartedtogobackwards,andit’shardtoignore themassive,yawninginequalityinBritain,andIthinkmore andmorepeoplearenolongerpreparedtotolerateit

InWales,thereisgenerallyapositiveattitudetowards migratingpeople However,onoccasion,especiallyin relationtothelaborforce,somepeoplefeeluncomfortable abouttheavailabilityofjobs Thisnarrativeappearsto echotheexperiencesseenduringthepost-warWindrush era Howcanwedobetterinconveyingtherealityof immigration,includingtheenormousbenefitsitbrings?

Well,afterthewartherewasahugedemandforlabourto helprebuildthecountry Later,theHealthSecretarythat encouragedpeopletocomefromtheCaribbeantoworkin theNHSwasactuallyEnochPowell,hardasthatisto believe Ithinkinfollowingdecadestherewascertainlya strongandalmostall-pervasivenarrativethatimmigrants weretakingBritons’jobs,drivingdownwages,takingcouncil homesetc

It’sanarrativethat,ofcourse,helpedpavethewayforBrexit but,atthemoment,Ministersarescramblingaroundto unpicktheBrexitrestrictionsonimmigrationsectorby sector They’reoneofthedriversoftherecordinflations we ’recurrentlyexperiencing Immigrationisusedtoplayon people’sfearsandasascapegoatforunrelatedproblems, andIthinkthatsbecomingmoreandmoreobvious

Couldyoupleasetellusalittleaboutsomeofthe highlightsduringyourtenureasLordmayor?

Well itwasagreathonourbeingtheLordMayorofCardiff I wasalsothefirstnon-whitepersontotaketherole,andit happenedtofallovertheperiodoftheBlackLivesMatter demonstrations,thecentenaryofthe1919CardiffRaceRiots, andcoveredthefirsteverWindrushDay soitallfeltquite providential Ialsocalledfortheremovalofthestatueofthe slavetrader,ThomasPicton,fromCardiff’sCityHall,which sawmeonthenewsandwhatnot,whichwasobviouslya highlighttoo

SincetheWelshgovernmentintroducedtheanti-racism actionplan,wehavewitnessedsignificantevidenceof numerouschanges,especiallyinthecurriculum,whereitis nowmandatorytoincludethehistoriesandcontributions ofBlackandBrownpeople Howdoyoubelievethese changeswillimpactthefuture?

I’mreallygladthesehistoriesarefinallybeingtaught Ihope theyredonesofullyandmeaningfully,andIhopetheylead towiderconversationsaboutraceandBritainandWales historyofcolonialismandimperialism Iknowalotofpeople don’tlikethatandfinditquitethreatening orthinkitstalking thecountrydownorwhatever,butIthinkit’sasignof strengthandconfidenceforanationtobeabletoaddress thesekindofissuesandhavethesedebates,whichare basedonhistoricalfacts andIthinkthat’spartofthe processofmovingtowardsreparativejustice

Whataretheplansforyourfuture?

Ithinkpeopleoftenfeelthatpoliticiansarefixedontheir personalprogressandseewhatevertheircurrentlydoingas aspringboardontosomethingelse,butthatsgenuinelynot howIfeelaboutit It’sahugeprivilegetobeamemberof theCabinetinthecapitalcity Myplansforthefutureareto domybestinhelpingtocombattheseismicchallengeswe faceasacityandasasociety–especiallyaswe’llbein officeinthecrucialperiodleadingupto2030,wherebywe havetodramaticallyreduceourcarbonemissions

WevebeentalkingaboutWindrush–manyoftheislands thatgenerationofpeoplesailedfromwillbeliterally devastatedbyuncheckedglobalwarming ThePrime MinisterofBarbados,MiaMottley,hasspokenfiercelyabout howevenatwodegreesrisewouldbecatastrophicfor SmallIslandStateslikehers,andothersintheCaribbean andPacific

So,addressingclimatechangeissomethingthat’simportant tousandwewanttodothatinawaythatimproves sustainabletransportinthecity createswell-payinggreen jobsandopportunities,andisfairtoworkingpeople

Otherthanthat,whoknowswhatthefuturehasinstorefor me it’safunnyoldworldwelivein isn’tit?

Education

Article by: Chantelle Haughton

Conference2023

It’s a ‘Work of Heart’ learning together: ‘troubling, committing and inspiring’

It’sbeenaremarkableacademicyearacrossWalesinDiversity Anti-RacistProfessionalLearning(DARPL)ineducation,childcare andplay TheDARPLCommunityofPracticeledthrough collaboration,professionalandlivedexperiencewasdesignedand establishedin2021byChantelleHaughton,PrincipalLecturerin CardiffMetropolitanUniversity,followingherworkwithProfessor CharlotteWilliamswithintheMinisterialWorkingGroup.Welsh Government(2023)advocatethatDARPLisessentialtorealising theCurriculumforWales

June8th2023wasanhistoricheart-fuelleddayinWales,bringing togetherover250top-tierleadersineducationandchildcarefrom acrossWalestothefirstNationalDARPLLeadershipConference, determinedlyfocusedonanti-racistleadershipresponsibilitiesand takingDARPLforwardthroughnationalstructureandpurpose The DARPLconferencebuiltonthefirmfoundationsalreadyinplace DARPL,fundedbyWelshGovernment,workstowardsouranti-racist Walesby2030,callingforzerotoleranceofracisminallitsguises

Chantelleexplains,“Thishasbeenasea-changingacademicyear, withseriouscommitmenttoactionfromregionalconsortia,WJEC, QualificationWales,NAEL,largekeyeducationalinstitutionsand organisations,schools,collegesandchildcaresettings Oursmall, dedicatedteaminDARPLandsuperbgrowingcommunityof practice,we’refeelingsurprised,exhausted,re-inspiredand intentionalbeyondhopefulwhilstdismantlingtheusual We’vestill gothugeworktodoineducation Weareworkingthrough synergiesofdiscomfortaimingforcompletecynefin,authentic determinedcurriculaandzerotolerancetoracism Educators acrossourcountryarestartingtostepintobravespaces Thisyear inDARPLweveimpactedover20,000educators Wereunderno illusion,weneedtochallengeandsupportmanymoreeducation leadersasweheaddeeperintoDARPLPhaseTwofromSeptember 2023 Togetherthroughreciprocalprofessionallearningand positiveactionwecanfuture-proofimpactaswemovetowards achievingourAnti-RacistWales Welookoutandforward Where areyouinthiswork?Whatareyoudoing? Whatprofessional learningishappeninginothersectorsbeyondeducationacross Wales?Howcanweconnectfurther?Whatarethelessonsbeing learnt?Whatareyoudoinginyourwork?

“DARPLprovisionisforthegrown-upsbutkeepsthechildrenatthe heart Lookingbackintomyownchildhoodatatreasuredvideo clipofMrsCampbellcallingoutmynamewithasenseofserious funandhighestexpectations,weknowbeyondourcommunitymy classroompeersandIwouldhavebeendescribedas‘children fromdeprivedbackgrounds’ However,weknowthatwegrewand learntintherichestlearningarenawithauniquemixoftheWorld rightonourdoorstep Becauseofthat,herewearefindingwaysto drawonourdiverseperspectivesinholisticrealisticWelshhistory andconnectednesstosharingourglobalcitizenship Weareall malleableinourearlyyearsoflife,forme,lookingbackthesetwo wordssattogether‘Tiger-Bay’aresynonymouswith resourcefulnessandalternativewealthinknowledge Through DARPL,indeconstructingandrelearning,theeducationand childcareworkforceareexploringwiderwaysofknowingandbeing forallchildrenacrossWalesatthecoreofCurriculumandit’s exciting Thereisastrongcreativepulltogetherinbeingthe change Weneedtodigdeep,lookingatwherearewewithour owncollectiveunderstandingofracismineducationinWalesovert, covert,systemicandinstitutional DARPLhelpseducatorsexplore howtoleadthechangewewanttosee”

“The emotional and intelligent response, with an openness to unlearning and relearning from the leaders at the DARPL conference, was tangible But the proof is in the future In leadership, practice, policy and research, we need to hold each other in support and challenge Together, we are determined to reimagine the experience of our future generations in an anti-racist Wales. The leaders in that room have the future in their hands We considered, are we preserving tradition or truly shaping the future? What’s our leadership legacy really going to look like? We are not here to waste time and opportunity, are we?

Aleaderwhoattendedtheconferencerespondedintheir feedback:“DARPLhaschangedwhatIthoughtIknew HowdidI gettothispointinmylife,inmyworknotlearning,readingor supportingtheperspectivesofglobalmajoritypeople?Ifeel troubled,committedandinspired Thankyou DARPLhasbeenthe strongest,mostimpactfulprofessionallearningformeforavery longtime!We’vegotlotstolearnandlotstodo,we’reready”

JeremyMiles,MinisterforWelshLanguageandEducationsaid: “Wearecommittedtoembeddinganti-racismrightacrossthe Welsheducationsystem ThesupportforthefirstnationalDARPL anti-racistleadershipconferencehasbeenoverwhelming Our educationalleadersarekeytodrivingthechangetowardsantiracistleadership”

BaronessFloellaBenjaminsaid:“Italkedaboutmychildhood journeytotheUKresultinginmybestsellingbook‘Comingto England’,reflectingonmyexperienceofovercomingadversities andobstaclesthroughpositiveattitudeandlearningtofacethem withasmile MytimewiththeleadersinWalessetouttoinspire andsupporttheiranti-racistleadershipandforusalltothink evenmoreabout‘ChildhoodlastingaLifetime’”

DaveGoodger,CEOofEarlyYearsWalessaid:“Whatanabsolute privilegeitwastobeintheroom!Youreventwasinspiring, uplifting,moving,informativeandmotivating Oneday,youwill lookbackatthis,andthelegacyofyourworkinDARPLwith absolutepride Iknow,ofcourse,thatyoualsowishthiswork wasn’tneeded,butitsoclearlystillis Theripplesyouarecreating, (orwavesactually),willmakeachangeinthelivesofouryoung people Everyspeakersharedtheirstorywithincrediblefortitude andpassion,withdignityandpurpose;Iamgratefultoeachof themfortheirpartinthedayandthecontributionstheymade”

DARPLisproudtobeaheartbeatinprogressivenationalracial equityconversationsandstep-changeinWales Formore informationonDARPLgotodarplorg

ArticlebyChantelleHaughtonSFHEANational TeachingFellow,DARPLDirectorandFounder, PrincipalLecturerinEarlyChildhoodEducation

Eyesto Education is one of the UK’s leading educational support service providerswithyearsofexperienceindeliveringqualityeducationalservices As apartnerintheeducationsector,webelievethatsuccessfulplacementsareall aboutensuringrealisticexpectationsforeducatorsandclients

Our team includes educators and professionals with years of experience, and we endeavor to make a positive difference in education through staffing, tutoring,andone-to-onesupport"

www.eyesto.co.uk

Wearebasedat:floor1,Cambrian Buildings,MountStuartSquare,CF105FL

OurMission

Ourmissionistohelplearnersachievetheirfull academicpotentialandaccessaninnovative andbalancededucationforlifelongbenefitto themselves,theirfamilies,andtheir communities

OurObjectives

Ourobjectivesaretocontributebybringingthe bestteachingandlearningpracticestothe educationsectorandanyotherlearning facilitiesinEnglandandWales Thisincludes attractingrolemodeleducatorswhocaninspire learners.

OurValues

Ourvaluesaretopromotehighstandardsof teachingandlearningopportunitiesandtobe respectfulofthesocial,culturalvalues,and aspirationsofourclientschools

Education

Contribution from FE News

Wales first Anti Racism Curriculum – miniseries:

Irememberlisteningtoaninterviewwithoneofthegreatestinnovators ofourtime,SteveJobs.Ihavealwaysbeencaptivatedbyhis imaginationandvision Hisstoryisonewhichcertainlyinspiresmeand, tothisday,Istillfindhisproductlaunchvideosfascinating Whatsethim apartfromtherestwashisabilitytomakefunctionalitysimpleand beautiful Hisearlyforayswereindesign Hewasintriguedbyfonts, lookingtorefinethemandmakethemmoreappealing Fontdesignsin 1970swereincrediblypragmatic,aworldwherethetypewriterwas regardedasahighlyadvancedformofwordprocessing

Whilsttheworldaroundhimwasbuiltinrigidblocks,hewantedtomakecurves Butnotattheexpenseofpracticality,onthecontrary,could beautyprovidemore?Between1997and2001,thesloganforApplewasto‘thinkdifferent’ WhendiscussingthenewApplestore(which openedin2001),heexplainedthathehadaskedhisdesignerstoforgeteverystoretheyhadbeenin,toforgethowtheywerelaidout He wantedastorethatwaspurely‘Apple’ Hesaid,‘Applestoresarenotjustintendedtomoveboxes,buttoenrichlives’Iamsureyoucan rememberhowdifferenttheApplestorewas,indeed,itreimaginedthepurposeofshoponahigh-street Icouldgoonandtalkaboutthe iPhone!

Crafting an Antiracist Curriculum for Lasting Change

InmycareerIhaveseensomanyattemptstothinkdifferently ‘New’initiatives,‘new’ideas IfI’mbeingbrutallyhonest,most(andIdo meanthevastmajority)fallbackintothesamepragmaticblocks Atbest,youmightgetablockwrappedinacurvedpackage,butitsoon turnsbackintoablockunderthepressureoftheloaditneedstobear Ifwereallywanttochangethings,wereallydoneedtothink differently Indesigninganewantiracistcurriculum,IhavebeenprivilegedtoworkwithanimmenselytalentedpoolofideasfromourBlack andMinorityethniccommunities Apooloftalentthathasbeenlockedforgenerations Ithasledmetoreflectonhowmanyideashave beenlockedandlostoverthelast100years?

InspiredbytheapproachofSteveJobs(whowashalfSyrianbytheway!),Iworkedwithateamtocreateatrulyreimaginedcurriculum Asa groupwe‘forgot’whatpreviouscurriculumdesignwouldsuggestandbeguntoimaginewhatthisnewcurriculumcouldbe Notonlydidwe wantthistobeanewantiracistcurriculum,wewantedittodefinehowfuturecurriculumswouldbeconstructed Itneededtobepractical, easytouseandstunninglybeautiful Acurriculumthatpeoplewouldwanttocomebacktoandbeinspiredby Loftygoals,however,ifyou aregoingtomakesomethingnew–youshouldaimforittobetheverybest!

Withinoneyear,weassembledateamofsixtypeople(forty-twowithalivedexperienceofracism) Projectleads,universityacademics, skilledteachersandlecturers,sectorspecialistsandinMXRealityaleadingsoftwarecompanywhohadthecapabilitytodeliveratruly beautifulandengagingvirtualworldexperience

Our Virtual World Perthyn

Wecalledtheworld‘Perthyn’whichtranslatesfromWelshas‘belonging’ Itistheproductofideasfromtheundeniabletalentthathas beenunlockedtotransformourunderstandingoftheworld Inthisworldyoucanhearthestoriesofsixpeoplewhohaveareallived experienceofracism Youcanseehowtheyhavedecidedtodecoratetheirvirtualhousesandprovideaglimpseofwhatgivestheir livesmeaning Youcanseetheirhumanity Youcanwalkthroughtime,unfiltered,enlightenedasyoufollowthehistoriesoffourWelsh fictionalcharacters HistorieswhichcoverAfrica,theMiddleEast,AsiaandNorthernEurope Youcanengageinauniqueimmersive learningexperiencewhereaugmentedrealitybringsinventionsfromthepastintolife Youcanengageandlearnsubjectmaterial fromphilosophyandmathematicstohair&beauty Itisaccessibletoall Itishereisinspireus Itismypleasuretowelcomeyouto Perthyn

Thisisnota‘protest’curriculum Itisnotsomethingthathasanypoliticalmotivations Itissimplyacurriculumthataimstoaddmore lighttowhatwealreadyknow Whatisabsolutelyclearinbeginningthisprocess,istheneedformuchmorelighttoshine Toachieve thisnewcurriculumwithinoneyearhasbeenanincredibleeffort.However,thishastothebeginningofachange.

InthefirstarticleofthisseriesIexplainedthatIwouldreturntoexplainwhyIdidn’tusetheterm‘centre’whendiscussingthepolitical spectrum Togivealittlecontext(forthosewhohaven’treadthefirstarticle),Iwasexplaininghowwenaturallygravitatetothe‘right’ or‘left’ Tofinishonaprovocation Ifweagreethathistoryhasbeenwrittenbythevictors,ifweacceptthattherehasbeena consciousandsubconsciousfilteringinourknowledge,thenisn’tthepoliticalspectrumitselfisalsoamodern,Western-Centric construct?Whatdid‘right’or‘left’wingpoliticslookliketwohundredyearsago?Theprovocationistoservealsoasapointof unification Weallneedtolearnmore Weallneedtoassumeless Weallneedtoreimagine

Having explored the concept of ‘unfiltering’ histories and our curriculums, this final article introduces you to the reimagined anti-racist curriculum

ByYusufIbrahim,AssistantPrincipalat CardiffandValeCollege

Motivation

Written by: Ricardo Erasmus

Rising Above

TheWindrushGeneration'sJourneyofResilienceand Courage'isatestamenttotheindomitablehumanspirit In thefaceofadversity,theydidn'tjustsurvive;theysoared Theirstoryremindsusthatnoobstacleisinsurmountable, nochallengetoogreat.Whencourageandresilienceunite, astheydidintheheartsoftheWindrushGeneration,there arenolimitstowhatwecanachieve Lettheirlegacy inspireyoutoriseabove,tostandtallinthefaceof adversity,andtoembracetheunwaveringbeliefthatyour dreamsarewithinreach Yourjourney,liketheirs,ismarked bystrength,unity,andtheunyieldingpowerofthehuman will

I’msoinspiredbytheseamazingpeople,andI’dliketo honourandcelebratetheirlegacies Tobehonest,coming fromSouthAfrica,IhadneverheardoftheWindrush Generationuntiltwoyearsago WhenIheardtheirstory, myheartsankbecauseofwhattheyhadtoendureand,at thesametime,Iwasmovedbytheirremarkable characters

Seventy-fiveyearsago,ashipnamedtheEmpire WindrushdockedatTilburyDocksinLondon,carryingwith itthehopes dreamsandaspirationsofagenerationthat wouldcometobeknownastheWindrushGeneration This remarkablegroupofindividuals hailingfromthe CaribbeanandotherpartsoftheBritishCommonwealth arrivedintheUKatatimewhenthenationwasinthe throesofpost-warrecoveryandreconstruction The challengestheyfacedwereimmense,buttheirresilience andcharacterwouldgoontoshapetheveryfabricof modernBritain

Inthefaceofadversity,racism,anddiscrimination,the WindrushGenerationstoodbyeachother,workinghardto secureabetterfuturefortheirchildrenandfuture generations

IreadaboutMr SamKing:Oftenreferredtoasthe"Father ofWindrush,"SamKingwasoneofthefirstpassengerson theHMTEmpireWindrushin1948 Hewentontobecome thefirstBlackMayorofSouthwarkinLondon.Hislife'swork includedcommunityactivism,advocacyforracial equality,andsupportingtheCaribbeancommunityinthe UK

SamKingwasborninSt Mary,Jamaica,in1926 Hegrew upinasmallvillage,wherehereceivedabasiceducation In1947,attheageof21,hedecidedtoembarkonthe journeytotheUnitedKingdom,alongwiththousandsof othersfromtheCaribbean,seekingbettereconomic opportunitiesandabrighterfuture.HearrivedinBritainon theHMTEmpireWindrush,theshipthatwouldlaterlendits nametothisgenerationofimmigrants.

Whatcanwelearnfrom theWindrushElders?

1:ResilienceintheFaceofAdversity:TheWindrushGenerationfaced significantchallenges,includingdiscriminationandeconomic hardships Theirabilitytoperseveredespitetheseobstaclesteaches ustheimportanceofresilienceanddeterminationinpursuingour goals

2:CulturalEnrichment:TheWindrushGenerationenrichedBritish societywiththeirvibrantculturalcontributions,includingmusic,food, andtraditions Theirexampleteachesusthevalueofcultural diversityandhowitcanenhancetherichnessandvibrancyofa nation Embracingdiversitycanleadtoamoreinclusiveand culturallyenrichedsociety

3:StrengthinUnity:Theformationoftight-knitcommunitiesamong theWindrushGenerationshowcasedthepowerofunity Their supportnetworksnotonlyprovidedemotionalstrengthbutalso facilitatedsharedexperiencesandsolutions Thisremindsusofthe strengththatcomesfromworkingtogethertowardcommongoals

4:ContributiontoSociety:TheWindrushGenerationmadesignificant contributionstovarioussectorsofBritishsociety,highlightingthe importanceofimmigrantsinshapingthenation'sprogress Theirstory teachesusthevalueofdiverseperspectivesandthepositiveimpact thatindividualsfromdifferentbackgroundscanhaveonasociety

5:GenerationalLegacy:TheachievementsoftheWindrush Generationcontinuetoinspiresubsequentgenerations Theirjourney underscorestheideathattheactionsanddecisionsofonegeneration canleavealastingimpactontheonesthatfollow,motivatingusto makechoicesthatpositivelyshapeourcollectivefuture

Inessence,theWindrushGeneration's journeyteachesusthesignificanceof resilience,unity,culturalpride,andthe lastingimpactofcollectiveefforts.Theirstory encouragesustoapproachchallengeswith determination,embracediversity,andwork towardsamoreequitableandharmonious society.Letusnotonlycelebratethe WindrushGenerationonceayearbutalso buildagreatercommunityandfuture throughtheircontributionsandcharacterto riseaboveourownchallenges.

The Windrush Generation inspires us to rise above every challenge we face by becoming resilient people.

Written by: Kimberley Jeffrey

Hair Discrimination:

Hairdiscriminationisadeeplyingrainedsocietalissuethatunfairlytargetsindividualsbasedon theirnaturalhairorprotectivehairstyleslinkedtotheirracial,ethnic,andculturalidentities This formofdiscriminationmanifestsinvarioussettings,fromschoolspressuringstudentstoconform torestrictivenormstoworkplacesimposingbiasedstandardsofprofessionalism Itnotonlylimits educationalandemploymentopportunitiesbutalsoinflictsemotionalandpsychologicalharm onthoseaffected Hairdiscriminationisacalltoactionforsocietytoconfrontitsbiases,promote diversityandawelcomingenvironment,andensurethatallindividuals,regardlessoftheirhair typeorstyle,canfullyparticipateandsucceedineveryaspectoflife

CrOwN

Education

Your hair is your crown!

TheImpactofHairDiscrimination:

Overtheyears,hairdiscriminationhastakenatollonblackandbiracialindividualsinnumerousways,includingjob loss,criticismfromschoolauthorities,andsocietaljudgment

InSchools:

Someschoolshaveforcedstudentstochoosebetweentheir educationandtheirculturalbeliefs Forexample,12-yearoldChikayzeaFlanderswastoldtocuthisdreadlocksor facesuspension Hismotherexplainedthatdreadlockswere afundamentalpartofhisRastafarianbeliefs.Suchincidents aren'tisolated

LossofJobsandOpportunities:

Stereotypesassociatingdreadlockswithdirtiness, criminality,ordrugusepersist Manyindividuals,like MiguelBrito,whoproudlydisplaytheirdreadlocksaspart oftheiridentityandculture,facediscriminationinthe workplace Jobinterviewsbecomeconditionalonhaircuts, reflectingdeeplyingrainedbiases

EffectsonBlackandBiracialPeople:

AsurveyrevealedthatsevenoutoftenyoungblackindividualsintheUKhavefeltpressuredtoaltertheirhairtoappear more ‘professional’ in school or work settings The trauma associated with hair discrimination is long-lasting, making individualsquestiontheirworthandidentity

LackofSelf-Confidence:

Hairdiscriminationcanleadtofeelingsofnotbelongingandlowself-confidence.Itpressuresindividualstoconformtoa narrowstandardofbeauty,asillustratedbyJessicaDunrod'sexperiences

WhatCanBeDonetoEliminateHairDiscrimination:

In2020,theBlackLivesMattermovementledtothecreationof'TheHaloCode’,theUK'sfirsthaircodedesignedtoprevent discriminationbasedonhairstyleortexture Schoolsandworkplacesareencouragedtoadoptthiscode,educatingstaff aboutAfro-texturedhairstylesanddiscouragingnegativelabels

GiveCreditWhereCreditIsDue:

Acknowledgingtheculturalsignificanceofhairstylesisvital.Braids,forinstance,holddeephistoricalmeaningforpeopleof Africandescent,signifyingresilienceduringslavery Everyonecanwearbraids,butit'sessentialtorespecttheiroriginand avoidappropriation.

CalltoAction:

Raisingawarenessandfosteringdialogue abouttheculturalsignificanceofdifferent hairstylesiscrucial.Governmentintervention, suchasanti-discriminationlawsorthe enforcementoftheHalocodeinschoolsand workplaces,canhelperadicatehair discrimination.

Inconclusion,hairdiscriminationisa pervasiveissuewithfar-reaching consequences.It'stimeforsocietytorecognize itsimpact,challengestereotypes,andtake concretestepstowardamoreinclusiveand equitablefuture.

Whoareyouandwhatdoyoudo?

Howcanweimprovethelivesofyoungpeople,forfuture generations?

Ireallyfeelatripbacktobasicswouldgoalongwaytowards improvingthelivesofyoungpeople Moreoutdoor engagement,outsidelessons(Shakespeare,forexample) Roomtomakemistakesandlearnfromthem Improved supportservicesforthechildrenandtheirfamiliesthatneedit –thosewithphysicalandmentalchallenges withmore informationavailabletoeducatethewidercommunity, enablingunderstandingandempathy

Itwouldbehelpfuliftherewasalotlesspaperworkfor teachers,toreleasethestressandallowthemtofocuson teaching,learningandcreativity Ithinkweneedmore sponsorshipforthearts;creativityisagreatoutletforalland especiallyforchildren,andyoungpeoplewhoareforming theirperspectiveontheworldandhowtheyfitintoit;this buildsresilienceandimprovesmentalhealththroughthe rangeofimmersiveexperiences Thenegativeimpactof ACESsmayalsobelessenedbycreativityandutilisingsafe spaces,attackingtraumaandreducingtheimpactof complextraumawhilstvictimsareintheearlystages,before theeffectstakeholdandfester

Ifyoucouldchangeonethingaboutyourlivedexperience, whatwoulditbeandwhy?

Photocreditordescription

IamSuzanneSmart,aTraumaTransformationPractitioner &TraineronEquality,Diversity&Inclusion Imigratedto traumapracticeafterateachingcareer,workingin deprivedareaswhereitwasimperativetoreachthe childrenbeforebeingabletoteachthem Theexperience wasabaptismbyfireintohumanbehaviorunderabject conditionsandthecompassionneededtoovercome

Iwouldn’tchangeathing Mylivedexperienceiswhathas mouldedmylife Ifthingswereanydifferent,who’stosaythey wouldhavebeenanybetter Ihelpmanysufferingpeopleto regaintheirlivesandfindfulfilment;adirectoutcomeofmy lifeexperiences Ihavethreewonderfulchildrenandsix perfect(biased,Iknow,butIamallowed )grandchildren I wouldn’tchangethemfortheworld

Youwritepoetry,whichisprettypowerfulstuff,howimportant doyouthinkwordsare?

Howwouldyoudescribeyourculturalheritage?

Myculturalheritagehasbeenshapedandhonedbya myriadofinfluences,bothWelshandWestIndian My parentsarebothWindrushGenerationBritishCitizens;dad fromBarbados,mumfromAntiguaandIamfirst generationWelshborn Iwearallthreeflagswithprideand takefulladvantageoftherichnessofmytripleheritage I amBlack IamBritish IamWelsh

Withyourworkwhatisityouhopetoachieve?

Childhoodtraumacanbephysicallyandmentally debilitating Throughmycompany,POSITIVEIMPRINT,Ihope tofacilitateunderstandingofwhattraumais thecauses andhowtotransformthattraumaintoapositivelifeforce, enablingsurvivorstoheal thriveandlivealifeoffulfilment

Wordsareourlanguage,ourlifeblood,howweexpress ourselves Withoutwords wearepushedintofindingother modesofcommunication Wordsarethebuildingblocksto relationships Wordscanhealorhurt buildorbreak The beautyliesinhowwechoosetouseourwords Thisiswhere ourrelationshipwith‘self’comesintotheequation Ifwehave agoodrelationshipwithself,thenthewordswechoosewill emulatethat;thesamegoesifwedonot Wordsarea compass,alight,alifeline Wordsarealsoarut,asignifier andagrave Wordselevateanddemote Thebeautyinthe earofthebeholderorthecuttingremarkwhichtearsdown hearts,mindsandsouls Weeachchoose

TellusaboutyouraspirationsforFLOURISH

MyintentionforFLOURISHistobethego-toforyouth emotionalresiliencetraining Thenamesynonymouswith flourishing mindsandattitudes Youngmindsareso vulnerable,becauseoftheirplasticity,soitmakessenseto mouldthemwithintentionalgreatness,tolessenthe eventualityofthemneedingtobacktracklaterinlife Build resilienceasamatterofcoursethroughouttheformative yearsandgaingenerationaladvantage

Words are our language, our life blood, how we express ourselves. Without words, we are pushed into finding other modes of communication.

Words are the building blocks to relationships. Words can heal or hurt, build or break.

Suzanneiskeentocollaboratewithschools,pleaseemail: suzanne@positive-imprint.co.uk

VERNESTA CYRIL:

Windrush midwife, and campaigner for race relations

HowVernestaCyrilgotherOBE

GoogleVernestaCyrilandyouwillfindmultiplearticlesaboutthegirlfromStLuciawho cametoNewportandtrainedtobeamidwife ThegirlwhoendedupgettinganOBE Assomeonewhohasdeliveredafewbabiesinmymedicalcareer,Iwasenthralledto meetVernestaCyrilatherhomeontheoutskirtsofNewport Thiswasmychancetofind outthestorybehindWales'mostdecoratedmidwife,thestoryof'Creolespeaking' VernestaCyril

Vernesta,bornin1943andnownearly80yearsold,hadawayofrecallingherstoryasif ithappenedyesterday Shedescribedheridyllicchildhoodhomeonthebeautiful CaribbeanislandofStLucia "anIslandwhereifyoulivedinastreeteverybodyknewyou eveninthetown”

Itwasherfirst-handexperienceofwitnessingchildbirthinStLuciathatledhertomove aspartoftheUKgovernmentWindrushscheme,toNewportinWales Itwasherethatshe trainedasanurseandqualifiedasamidwife Myowngreatgrandmotherwouldhave workednearbyasamidwifeduringthatsameperiodoftime Itwastheageinwhichthe NHSwasverymuchinitsinfancy,havingbeencreatedaround13yearsbeforeVernesta tookthestepofbeingpartoftheWindrushGeneration

ShetoldmeaboutthestoryofCecilia,acousin,whoshedescribedasprettyamazing andsomeoneshelookedupto Sadly,Cecilia wentmad’,sufferingpuerperalpsychosis afterchildbirthandleftVernestasfamilytobringupthebabyafterCeciliadiedina mentalhospital WatchingthissadturnofeventsledVernestatoconsidermidwiferyasa worthwhilevocationinlife Herdeterminationtoprotectwomenreallyshoneoutinour shorttimetogether,asshesaid,"I'vealwayssupportedwomenbeingtheadvocatefor womeninthecommunity”

Atthetenderageof18shemadethejourneytoWales Ididwonder whethersheinitiallyregrettedendinguplivingintherelativelydrab streetsofpost-warNewport ShedescribedaNewportthatwashostile toCaribbeanimmigrantsandlackedthecloseintimacyofStLucia Vernestadescribeditasastrangeland,wherepeopleatefishand chipsinnewspapersandwhereshehadherfirstexperienceofsnow Gradually,VernestamadefriendswithothersfromtheCaribbean AlthoughshewasencouragedtoworkinLondon,likemanyofher compatriots VernestachosetomakeWalesherpermanenthome Vernestaqualifiedinmidwifery,butnotwithoutgainingtheprizeforthe mostpromisingmidwiferystudentinhergroupoftrainees Thiswas as itturnedout,anaccuratepredictionofherfuture

Intheearlydays Vernestaworkedinahospital nowconvertedintothe CelticManor,butthenknownastheLydiaBeynonmaternityhospital Shedescribeddifficultdeliveriesintheearlydaysbefore cardiotocography(asystemofmonitoringthebaby’sheartbeat) In thoseearlydays,difficultlabourshadarealchanceofendingin tragedy Vernesta'scareerisatestimonytoherphysicalandmental fortitude However throughherstory onecanalsohearafirsthand accountofthehistoryofmodernmidwifery

AlongsideherNHScareer,Vernestaalsospentalotoftimechallenging discriminationandpromotingracialequality Shewasthefounderof SouthEastWalesRacialEqualityCouncil(SEWREC)

In1999,outoftheblue,VernestawasawardedtheorderoftheBritish empire(OBE) Asshesharedthismemory,herlovelybrowneyesglazed overandshewasclearlylostinthepastasshedescribedcelebrating thecoronationofQueenElizabethasachild Neverinherwildest dreamshadsheexpectedtomeettheQueenofEnglandfacetoface Shedescribedtheanxietyofwaitinginthequeuetogethermedaland curtseyingtotheQueenand,"whenIgottoher,theysaidwhyIwas gettingit,[itwas]forbringingcommunitiestogether” Ofcourse, Vernestawaskeentostressthatitwasallabouttheteamworkbehind theaward,asshefelt"itwasn'tjustfor[her],itwasforall[her] colleaguesaswell”

In2006,hernextprizewasUKMidwifeoftheYear

IcouldnthelpbutbeimpressedbyVernestaCyril Alongsideher glitteringmedicalcareerandraceequalitycampaigning,Vernestawas alsoamumtothreeboysandawifetoPeter Ihadtowonderquite howshemanagedtopullallthisoff(quiteafeat) Iwastoldthatitwas withmuchorganisationandhelpfromfriends

It'shardtomissthefactthatVernestaCyrilwasnoordinarywoman no ordinarymidwife BehindthefrailfacadeofVernesta,liesatrailblazer, someonewithrealgutsandcompassionforhumanity Midwifery,inmy opinion isajobforthebrave Myownmedicalexperiencesuggests thatbeingawomanofcolourwiththisdegreeofdecorationis incrediblydifficultinthehealthservice Thisyearisthe75thanniversary ofWindrush andIcanabsolutelysaythattheUnitedKingdomshould besomuchinaweofthisamazinggeneration

Thankyou,VernestaCyril,Ican'tofferyouanythinglikeanOBE,butIwas trulyimpressedandfascinatedbyyourlongcareerofhelpingwomen

Never in her wildest dreams had she expected to meet the Queen of England face to face.

Interview with Lisa Peregrine

Yvonne Howard-Bunt

75th Windrush Anniversary 22nd June 2023

‘The

Council Of The Elders’

Theeldersalldogather

Inthehereandnowandthen

Thecounciloftheelders

Liberty,parchment,pen

IntheheartbeatoftheSenedd

Wherehistorytodayismade

Past,presentandfuture

Instepwetakethestage

Itwasintheaftermath

OfWorldWarTwo

Awar-tornBritain, Harsh,coldandblue.

Openeditsdoors

TotheWindrushgroup

Warveterans,CommonwealthCitizens

Amongthetroop.

Answeringthecall

Fromthepromisedland

Yourhomelandcountryneedsyou

Areyouwillingtotakeastand

Come,come,yourmothercountryneedsyou

you’llfindawelcomehere

Youreducationsystemisakintoours

You’llfitinwell,nofear

Helpustobuildthisnation

Fromthedecimationofwar

Come,honouryourbelovedcountry

Weneedyou,weimplore

DepartingontheWindrush

ForKingandcountrysame

Toadistantlandknownashome

Theysailedtounknowngain

TheWindrushfoundnowelcome

Inthehomelandtheybelievedtheyknew

Faceddiscriminationandrejection

Thepromiseproveduntrue

Theylivedinpoorclusterneighbourhoods

InCardiffandTigerBay

AmongSomaliandYemenipeople

Andothersettlerswhopavedtheway.

Andasisoftrepeated

Throughouttimedownthetrack

TheWindrushgrouparepioneers

Who’veputusonthemap

Thattheymayteachothers

Fromthewealthofexperience,theyhavegained Inbuildingblocksforothers

Throughtheirstruggles,they’veattained SodearestWindrushelders

Singyourstoriesclearandloud

Thatyourvoicesrisetoupliftusall

Abovethenoisycrowd

Addtothebankofknowledge, PrayyourtruthDotell

Onthis75thanniversary

Let'sfillandswellthewell.

Timeislitteredwithoralhistories

Backstoriesfromworldsafar

Theyarepartofthenationallandscape

Thechronicleofwhoandwhereweare

Let’srefineandbuildthenewnarrative Inthistimelessarterialwall

Forthepioneerswhocamebeforeus

Andthelovedoneswhostoodtall

Let'sbuildabridgeforeveryone

Andpositivelyembrace Asharedsenseofvision, forthehumanrace

Thefootprintofourneighbour

Isentwinedwithinourlife

Andofthemanywho'vepassedbeforeus Instruggleandinstrife

Weareallkindredspirits

Inthequestforlife’schance

Let'sshareacommonfuture

Let’spartakeandDaretoDance

©CopyrightYvonneHoward-Bunt,2023

LIAM SCOTT

Tellusabitaboutyourself,whoareyouandwhatdoyou do?

IamLiamScottandIworkfortheWelshRugbyUnionas HeadofRegions&RugbyInclusion I’vebeenworkingforthe WelshRugbyUnionforthelasteightyearsandmyrole involvesoverseeingthedeliveryofthecommunitystrategy operationallythroughourregionalteamsinNorth East& WestWales,aswellasgrowingourgamewithin underrepresentedgroupsinWales togetmorepeople involvedinallareasofrugbyfromplaying,coachingand volunteering,fromdiversebackgrounds

Howwouldyoudescribeyourculturalbackground?

IamWelsh/JamaicanMixedRace

HowhasbeingraisedinWalesshapedyouridentity?Do youfeelWelsh,ifso,why?

GrowingupIwasconflicted asIamveryproudofbeing mixedraceandWelsh,andourcultureinWales My grandfatheronmyWelshsidehadahugeimpactonme growingupandwasthepersonwhointroducedmeto rugby andwasaveryproudWelshman butincertain areasofthecountryIwasnotperceivedtobeWelsh, becauseofmyskintone Thankfully Walesisamorediverse andacceptedplacenow,towhatitwaslikeinthe90’s

WhyisyourroleimportantintheWRU,whatdoyouhopeto achieve?

Myroleistoreachoutfurtherintothevaryingcommunitiesin Wales,tohelpbringrugbytopeoplethathavenotpreviously engagedwiththeWelshRugbyUnion andrugbyasawhole Wehaveatargettoengagewith25,000GlobalMajorityin anyformatofrugbywithinWalesoverthenextfewyears and fromthatwewanttogrowourplayerandvolunteerbase withinourclubstoensurethatwehavelongtermdiverse representationacrossallareasofourgame,fromplayingto governance

Whatwasyourschoolexperiencelike-sharegoodandbad points?

Iwenttoaschoolthatwaslessthan10%diversesoalways hadconflictingidentity,teachingwasverydifferentbackthen, astheirattemptstoembracediversitywerebasedon deliveringmoreequalityforstudentsratherthanequity,and theleadershipdidntnecessarilyunderstandthedifferencein them Ihadsomegoodexperiencesandmetsomepeople thatIstillhaveasfriendstoday buttherewerenegative experiences AnexamplewaswhenIhadmyhairbraidedin year8andwasputintoisolationandtold‘notonlydidIlook likeatwit,butIwasatwit,andwas‘justcopyingRuudGullit andtoldIcouldn’tleaveisolationuntilIhadcutmyhair That instancetaughtmehugelyaboutresilienceandstandingup forwhat’srightas ultimately IstayedtruetowhatIwanted andeventuallytheyallowedmebackintolessons

Growing up I was conflicted, as I am very proud of being mixed race and Welsh, and our culture in Wales.

Howcanschoolsensureallchildrenareseenandheard?

Iamahugeadvocateofyoungpeoplesvoicesbeing heardandIbelievethebestwayistocreateadvisory groupsandyoungboards,representedbyavarietyof youngpeoplefromallwalksoflife theonlywaywecan understandthewantsandneedsofyoungpeopleisby askingtherightquestions butalsoensuringthatthingsare actedonanddon’tjustserveasatickboxexercise

Whatwereyourcareeraspirationsgrowingup?

GrowingupIwantedtobeanarchitect Ihadarealenergy aroundbuildingdesignand,specifically,stadiumdesigns, butthethoughtofhavingtospendsomanyyearsin educationputmeoff,soIjustwantedajobinthesports industry,aswearingatracksuiteverydayseemedthe perfectindustry

Whatarethepositivesthingsofbeingdualheritage?

Asmygrandfatherwouldsay,Ivegotthebestoftwoworlds! But,inallseriousness,ithasgivenmeanappreciationand understandingofthesomanydifferentculturesthereareand toalwaystrytonotjustseetheworldthroughmyownlens

Whatisyourmessagetoyoungpeople?

Workhard accepteveryknockbackasachallengeto overcome,andthejourneyisalwaysmoreimportantthanthe destination

Whatwouldyoulikeyourlegacytobe?

Tohavegivenasmanypeopleaspossibleopportunitiesto maximisetheirownpotential

Work hard, accept every knock back as a challenge to overcome, and the journey is always more important than the destination.

BOMB - Black Owned Minority Business

Witten by: Marie Pascal

Business is Bazaar

Whiletheideaofstartingsmallbusinessesremainsasignificant challengeduetostiffcompetitionwithlarger,well-establishedstores andthelackofinitialcapitalandoperationalexpenses,recent workshopsorganisedbyBusinessWaleshavebeeninstrumentalin helpingmitigatesomeofthesechallenges TheB-Enterprisingsectorof BangorUniversityhasbeenexceptionallyhelpfulandsupportiveto studentsandgraduatesseekingtobringtheirideastolifethrough startupsorfreelancecareers Foryears,B-Enterprisinghaspartnered withSantanderBanktoprovidefundingopportunitiesforstudentsand graduatesfromBangorUniversity,topitchtheirbusinessdreams

Wearebeginningtowitnesstheemergenceofsmallbusinessesin NorthWales,suchasBazaarAfricanFoodGroceryinBangorand MaggiesAfricanTwistinPenygroes InaninterviewwithMr Rafik Mohammed,theownerofBazaarAfricanFoodGrocery,manyinsights wereshared

Mr Rafik,asheispopularlyknown,recalledthatBazaarhasbeenin operationformorethanthree(3)yearsnow Originally,itwasa grocerystorespecialisinginEasternEuropeanfooditems However, duringtheBrexitperiod,BazaartransformedintoanAfricanfood grocerystore,withafewEasternEuropeangroceriesstillavailablefor sale ThedemandforAfricanfoodisconsistentlyhigh,withmostofhis customersbeinginternationalstudentsatBangorUniversity Mr Rafik mentionedthatsummerstendtobequietersincemanystudentsgo onvacationsandthelike Thesearesomeoftheupsanddownsinthe business

Bazaarhasreceivedsupportfromthegovernment,especiallyduring thepandemic Mr RafikisgratefultoBusinessWalesorganisationsfor consistentlyguidingthemintherightdirection

ThewayforwardfortheBazaar,accordingtoMr Rafik,istoserveand deliverwhatthecustomersneedtotheirdoorsteps Thus,thereisa needforadvancedinternetinvolvementforplacingordersand implementingotherpromotionalstrategies Heaimstomakeiteasier forpeopletoaccesstheirgroceries

Mr RafikMohammedadvisesthatthefirsttwoyearsinbusinessare themostchallenging Thebestcourseofactionistopersevere He stated,' aggressiveadvertising,promotions,andthengoforit You'llbe goingplaces;generally,that'showitworks'Wearegratefulthatthe Bazaarhasenduredthetestoftime,andthefutureholdslimitless potential

'

...aggressive advertising, promotions, and then go for it. You'll be going places; generally, that's how it works.'

Mr RafikMohammed

BOMB - Black Owned Minority Business

L E R O Y P A T T Y M A N

LeroyWilliams,knownasthe‘Pattyman’,discusseshisexperiencesandbusinessinaninterview HelivesinCardiff,WalesandownsaJamaican-Welshfusionpattybusinessnamed‘WellJamProductsLimited’ Leroy'sbusinessstartedasahomeventure,makingJamaicanpattiesandhasrapidlygrown,supplyinggardencentres andonline

Hisinspirationtostartthebusinesscamefromhisfather'steachingsandhisdesiretohonourhisheritage Awardwinningon‘GreatTaste2023Awards’inAugust2023 Leroy'sstrengthcomesfromhisfamily'ssupport,andhe emphasisestheimportanceofperseveringthroughchallengesandpursuingone'sdreams

Leroy‘ThePattyman’Williams

Inacaptivatinginterview,LeroyWilliams,fondlyknownas ‘ThePattyman,takesusonajourneyfromhishome kitchentotheflourishingworldofhisJamaican-Welsh fusionpattybusiness WellJamProductsLimited Hailing fromCardiff,Wales,Leroy'sstoryisatestamenttothe powerofdetermination familysupportandthefusionof cultures

AHumbleBeginning

Leroy'sstorybeginswithhismodesthomekitchen,where heembarkedonthecreationofJamaicanpatties–flaky savourypastriesfilledwithamouthwateringblendof spicesandmeats Littledidheknowthatthisinitial venturewouldsoonblossomintoanenterprisethat transcendedgeographicalboundaries

CulturalFusion

Leroy'sventureismorethanjustabusiness;it'sa celebrationofhisrootsandheritage Heseamlessly blendstherichflavoursofJamaicawiththeheartof Wales resultinginauniqueandenticingfusionoftastes Hispattiesstandoutnotjustfortheirdeliciousfillingsbut alsoforthedistinctyellowpastrythatcapturesthe essenceofJamaicancuisine

IntheShadowsofInspiration

Awardwinningon GreatTaste2023Awards’inAugust 2023 ThedrivingforcebehindLeroy'sjourneyishislate father,whosewisdomandteachingshavebeenhis guidinglight BorninJamaica,Leroy'sfatherfacedracial prejudiceandadversitybutalwaysemphasisedthe importanceofhardworkandperseverance These lessonslaidthefoundationforLeroy'sunwavering determinationtosucceed,nomattertheobstacleshe encountered

StrengthThroughFamily

Leroyattributeshisstrengthandresiliencetothesupport ofhisfamily–hiswife,childrenandthememoryofhis father Despitefacingnumerouschallengesand setbacks,hisfamilysunwaveringbeliefinhisabilitieskept himpushingforward Theessenceofhisheritageisnot onlypreservedinhisculinarycreations,butalsointhe valuesthathavebeeninstilledinhimsincechildhood

FromAdversitytoTriumph

Leroy'sjourneywasnotwithoutitschallenges Herecalls momentsofdoubtandtheconfidence-shattering experienceoffacingrejection However,hefoundsolacein hisfather'swords usingthemasasourceofmotivationto overcomeobstaclesandemergestrongerthanever It'sa testamenttothepowerofresilienceandthebeliefthat anythingispossible,withtherightmindset

EmbracingChange

TheonsetoftheCOVID-19pandemicbrought unprecedentedchallengestoLeroy'sjourney Forcedtoleave histaxidrivingcareerowingtohiswife'snursingjobandthe pandemicsrestrictions,Leroyfoundhimselfatacrossroads Yet,thissetbackbecamethecatalystforanewchapter–thebirthofhispattybusiness Itwasduringthistimethat Leroyturnedtohisfathersteachingsandbeganmaking Jamaicanpatties,tosustainhisfamilyandfindarenewed purpose

ATasteofSuccess

Thejourneyfromhishomekitchentoafully-fledgedpatty businesswasmarkedbysignificantmilestones Leroy's determinationandpassionculminatedinhiscreation the Jamaicanredpepperjelly Thisinnovativeproduct,awarded aprestigiousone-staraccoladebytheGreatTasteAwards showcaseshisculinaryprowessandaddsatouchof Jamaicanwarmthtoeverydish

AMessageofEmpowerment

AsLeroyreflectsonhisjourney,heoffersapieceofadviceto anyonewithadream:"Everythingispossible;liveyour dreams Hisstoryisareminderthatchallengesand setbacksarenotinsurmountableroadblocks,but opportunitiestoriseaboveandproveonesmettle Leroy's successservesasaninspirationtodreambig,persevere andhonouronesroots

Inconclusion,Leroy‘ThePattyman’Williams'journey,froma modestkitchentoathrivingbusiness servesasatestament tothepowerofdetermination,familysupportandthefusion ofcultures Hisculinarycreationsnotonlytantalisetaste buds butalsocarryaprofoundmessageofempowerment andresilience Leroysstoryremindsusthatnodreamistoo ambitiousandthateverychallengeisanopportunityfor growth

By Zoila Garman Chief Executive & Social Media Officer at ZYGER FIT Freelancer for Xcellence Magazine

Soraya Cordle

Whoareyouandwhatdoyoudo?

IamSorayaCordle adedicatedmotheroftwo awomanofcolour anddedicatedtosupportingtheWelshGovernmentanti-racism actionplan Myjourneyhasledmetobecomeanimpassioned educatorandeducationalconsultant Atthehelmoftheseefforts,I amthefounderandCEOof"It’sMandatoryCICandI’m RepresentingIECC,bothregisteredcommunityinterestcompanies uniteinasharedmission:theeradicationofinstitutionalracism Thisundertakingcomestolifethroughmeticulouslycrafted bespoketrainingworkshops expertpolicyconsultation and rigorouspolicyevaluation Ourmultifacetedapproach encompassescomprehensivetraining nuancedcurriculumand policyconsultancy,andthecreationofinclusiveresourcesand transformativeprograms

Inadditiontomyroleswithintheseorganizations Iproudlyserveas aneducationworker,dedicatingpartofmytimetotheesteemed UKanti-racistcharitySRtRC Here Iengageinthevitaltaskof creatinganddeliveringanti-racismtrainingtoeducational institutionsthroughoutWales aswellasNationalGoverningBodies asacrucialelementoftheWGAnti-RacistActionPlan,exemplified bythevisionaryAnti-RacistWales2030initiative Myrecent contributionsextendtothecreationoftheSRtRCWindrush educationpack acornerstoneresourcecommemoratingthe75th Windrushanniversary Throughtheseendeavours,Icontinueto driveforwardtheessentialworkoffosteringunderstanding equality,andprogressintherealmofeducation

DescribeyourlinktotheCaribbean?

The Cordle family's rich history is a tapestry woven with remarkable achievementsandcontributions Inthe1950s,mygrandfather,Steven Cordle embarked on a journey from St Michaels Barbados to the shoresofWalesasaseafarer Followinginhiswake,hisbrotherTony Cordlejoinedhim etchinghisnameincrickethistoryasarenowned cricketer for Glamorgan Remarkably, Tony Cordle gained distinction asthecounty'sinauguraloverseasfastbowler

Settling in Tiger Bay my grandfather found love and companionship with my grandmother, Peggy Ferugia, whose Maltese heritage adds another layer of cultural richness to our family story Together they nurtured a family of four children Among them, my father, Gerald Cordle emerged as a luminous figure in the world of sports With a remarkable versatility, he showcased his talent in both rugby union and league donning the jerseys of prestigious teams such as the BradfordBullsandCardiffCity Hisprowessextendedtorepresenting not only these teams but also his homeland proudly wearing the nationalcoloursofWalesandGreatBritain

The legacy of my father's accomplishments recently found a permanent place of honour in the Cardiff Bay Rugby Codebreakers initiative This distinguished project stands as a tribute to the diverse rugbyplayerswhohaveenrichedCardiffssportsheritage Myfather's name now graces a statue, a beacon of recognition in Cardiff Bay, representingtheglobalmajorityandtheethnicallydiversetalentsthat haveelevatedrugbytonewheights Thisacknowledgementnotonly celebrates his achievements but also highlights the contributions of individuals from varied backgrounds who have collectively shaped thevibrantfabricofrugbyhistory

The Cordle family's rich history is a tapestry woven with remarkable achievements and contributions. In the 1950s, my grandfather, Steven Cordle, embarked on a journey from St. Michaels, Barbados, to the shores of Wales as a seafarer.

PeoplefromtheCaribbeanhavenotonlyplayedapivitalpart totheestablishemntofmoderndayBritainduringtheearly Windrushdays,buthowdoyouthinktheUKwouldlookwithout them?

It'sanundeniabletruththattheinvaluablecontributionsofthe CaribbeanandotherCommonwealthcountriesduringtheearly WRdaysplayedapivotalroleintheUK'spost-WorldWarII recoveryandthesubsequentenrichmentofitsculturaltapestry Thisfactstandsasresoluteasitisclear Attemptingtoenvisage theUK'strajectorywithouttheprofoundinfluenceofthesenations isaimpossibletoconceive,youcanseetheircontributionsin, veryfacet IbelieveBritainwouldbeaveryblandplacewithout them

WhatareyourthoughtsabouttheWindrushscandal?

TheWindrushscandalstarklyembodiesracisminitspurestform, servingasanunwaveringreminderthatregardlessofthe significantcontributionsandpioneeringeffortsbytheglobal majoritytoshapeWesterncultureintheUK thelabelof"secondclasscitizens"continuestopersistentlyshadowus Thescandal remindsusthat,theveryfactthatpeopleareundocumented, livingalifeundertheguiseofuncertaintymustbeverystressful TheaimofboththecompaniesIhaveestablishedwasrootedin therecognitionofpressingneeds,combinedwithmypersonal encounterswithracismandacommitmenttosocialjustice The servicesweprovideareanactivecontributiontothe transformativeevolutiontowardananti-racistWales,ajourney thatinvolvesclosepartnershipsandsymbioticcollaborations withaspectrumofinitiativesandorganizations Thisismyvision ofsupportingtheeradicationofracism However,Idobelieve thatImaynotseethisactualiseduringmylifetime,butwhilstI amhere,theworkunderwayislayingtheessentialgroundwork forthebenefitoffuturegenerations,creatingamoreequal Wales

Howcanschools/organisationsbenefitbyworkingwithIts MandatoryandI’mRepresentingIECC?

SchoolsoranyinstitutioncanaccessbespokesupportwithI’m RepresentingIECCfrompolicyreformtocurriculum/service design Throughprofessionalandlivedexperiencewecangive serviceuserstheconfidenceandcompetencetoapproachthe realityofinstitutionalracismandbeupskilledtochallenge racismandmakethoseuncomfortableyetnecessarychanges thatwillensuretheirinstitutionsareanti-racist ItsMandatorycic providetheIAMprogrammegivingallchildrenandyoung peopletheopportunitytoaccessinformationthattheywouldnt otherwisebeexposedtointheircurriculumsuchasidentity (socialconstructs cultureetc) hairdiscrimination rights (equalityact2010)conflictmanagement,mentalwell-being (racialtrauma)andtheimportanceofrepresentation,providing arealsenseofCynefin'

wwwitsmanadatorycouk

Withtheworkyoudo,howdoyouhopeto influencechange

Forschoolsandanyinstitutionseeking tailoredsupport I'mRepresentingIECCoffers acomprehensiverangeofservices From overhaulingpoliciestocraftingcurriculum andservicedesigns,webringtogetherboth professionalexpertiseandlivedexperiences Ouraimistoempowerorganisations,with theconfidenceandskillsrequiredtoconfront therealityofinstitutionalracism Byworking withI’mRepresentingIECC organisationsare betterequippedtochallengeracismheadonandinitiatethosechallengingyet indispensablechangesthatareintegralto mouldinginstitutionsintoananti-racist environment

Specificallyforschools,whatsupportdoyou provide?

Withintherealmofeducation ItsMandatory CICintroducestheIAMprogramme,a transformativeinitiative Thisprogramopens doorsforchildrenandyoungpeople, grantingthemaccesstoknowledgethat mightotherwiseremainobscuredintheir standardcurriculum Topicscoveredspan thespectrumfromidentityexploration (embracingsocialconstructsandculture) tovitaldiscussionsabouthairdiscrimination byraisingawarenessthehalocode,whichis acampaignpledgethatcommitstogive confidencetopeoplewithafrohair, supportingtheirchoicetowearitinits naturalstate Thecurriculumextendsto encompassconflictmanagement,mental well-beingwithafocusonracialtrauma, andtheimperativeofrepresentation Throughtheseholisticlessons,theprogram offersaprofoundsenseofconnectionand belonging,nurturingagenuinefeelingof Cynefin

In conversation with: Donna Ali

- Black Owned Minority Business

BERNIE DAVIES

Whoareyou?

My name is Bernie Davies, a person who has come through life learning the value of accomplishmentsandexcellingbymakinganameformyself However,thosethingsarenot enoughtosustainus Ilearntthattherearemoreimportantthingsinlifethatalotofuslose sightof,suchasbeingthebestversionofmyselfandthatmustcomefirst WhenIamthe bestversionofmyselfandvaluethatinothers,coupledwithmyownachievementsandthe thingsthatdriveme,IbelievethatiswhenIstandinmypurpose

In terms of what I do, I am a mother, wife, entrepreneur, publisher, diversity and inclusion expert,andlawyer

Wheredidyougetyourdrivefrom?

I grew up in Jamacia with parents from an academic background I was raised with my 5 siblings, being the 4th there was a very strong group dynamic, and a lot of competition betweenustoexcel Itwasaboutsecuringyourplacethroughachievement,thisisanormal thingwithinJamaicanculture,thedesiretooutdooneanotherandtobetheverybestyou canbe Wetookacademiaveryseriously;wewereremindedeverydaythattheonlywayis up,andwemustworkhardtoreachpositionsthatholdpower Therewasverylittleregardfor trades, or skills requiring manual labour The most important things like building character were not explored, so young people like me got derailed Although I believe that that derailmenttaughtmehowtogetbackontherightpath,bynotvaluingwhatIdo,butwhoI am

In conversation with: Donna Ali

Thecompetitivenesssoundsexhausting,wheredoesthatcomefrom?

Ibelievethatitcamefromourveryearlydaysasanewcountry Forinstance,ifyoulookat someofthepeoplefromtheWindrush,theyhadahorrendousexperiencewhenthey arrived,mostofwhowantedtoreturnhome,buttheywerenotpreparedtoreturnbecause itlookedasthoughtheyhadfailed Themotherlandwascallingthem,tolivebetterlives, whenmostofthemwerehighachieversandendedupdoingmanualjobsoutofnecessity Thatnecessitybeing,makingitworkintheUK,becauseitwouldhavebeenshamefulto return

WhatarethebusinessopportunitieslikeinJamaica?

Thereisanoldsayingthatcreamrisestothetop IbelievethatIcanspeakformyself,that ineverythingIdoIcommittodoingitwithexcellence InwhatevercontextIfindmyself, becauseoftheJamaicanculture,youarenotexpectedtostaywhereyoustarted Ifwelook backatslavery,thementalitythatwasbirthedoutofthatcreatedamindset,offreedom andopportunitiesforall So,allthepeoplewhoweretryingtoforgeanewnation,saw developmentastheonlywaytodoit Progressineducationwasimportant,itwasallabout academia Ourexamples,wherebytherulingclassthatcamefromotherpartsoftheworld, welookeduptothemandbelievededucationwasthewayout

HowdoyouthinktheworldseesJamacia?

Theinternationalpresshasalottoanswerfor,theyperpetrateaone-sidednarrativeand shareinformationthatisnotatruereflection OftenwhentheyreportaboutJamaica,they showasidethatisnotrepresentativeofhard-workingpeoplewhowanttoachieveand excel,theyoftenshowtheslumsandpeopledoingallkindsofunsavourythings,justlike whentheyreportonAfrica,theyshowthepovertyanddeprivation,whichispresentinall countriesatsomelevel Theyfailtoshowitsfullness,thebeautytheindustriousattitude towardsexcellenceandthedevelopmentofitspeople

Bernie,haslaunchedanewbook,calledMasteringDiversity,andwillbehostingthefirst everDiversityandInclusionconferenceinWales TheconferenceissupportedbytheWelsh Government,asanadvisorforWelshGovernment,Berniesupportstheiraspirationsfora moreequalWales Bernieispassionateaboutyoungpeopleandisopentovisiting universitiesandschools,tobeapositiverepresentationtostudentsandtobeasupportfor schools,whowanttoimprovetheirbestpracticeinEquality,DiversityandInclusion

Ifyouwouldliketobookavisitemail:bernie@berniedaviescom wwwberniedaviesglobalcom

BOMB - Black Owned Minority Business

Thisinterviewwasconductedby Year8studentsfromCantonian HighSchoolduringthe developmentoftheirCynefin Project,whichwasrunin collaborationwiththeschooland theArtsCouncilWales

Joy Djadi

Afro Hair Academy Wales

Couldyoupleaseintroduceyourselfandtellusaboutyour profession?

MynameisJoyDjadi andIamahairdressingtutorandthe founderofAfroHairAcademyWales Iamoriginallyfrom CardiffbuthavelivedinLondonforthepast25years to advancemyskillsinhairandbeauty Iamaqualified teacher workinginfurthereducation andcurrently Iam utilisingmycombinedskillstoeducateotherhairdressers andbeauticiansaboutBlackhairtexture maintenance and styling

ThereseemstobeagrowingeffortinWalestoenhance diversityandinclusion Whydoyoubelievethisis important?

HavingbeenborninWales,I'mexcitedabouttheprogress Ivewitnessed IenjoyedmytimeinLondon where opportunitiesaboundinitsdiverseenvironment However, uponreturningtoWales Ivenoticedasignificantincreasein diversityandmoreopportunitiestobreakdownbarriers I believethisworkisimportantbecausewealldeservetobe seeandheardasWelshcitizens

Whendidyoudecidetopursueacareerinhairdressing?

Ibeganmyhairdressingcareerattheageof25 Mydesireto teachemergedwhileIwasworkingasanassessor While observingstudents'work,IrealizedthatIenjoyedworkingwith peopleandwitnessingtheirachievements

Whyisitcrucialforustobecomemoreculturally competent?

Everyindustrymustbecomemoreculturallycompetent, especiallywhenworkingdirectlywiththepublic Iinteractwith adiverserangeofpeopleonadailybasisandappreciate thevalueandbeautyineveryone,regardlessoftheirculture, religiousbeliefs,orskintone Imaintainanopen-minded approach,whichisevidentintheworkwedoatthe academy Whileourprimaryfocusisonintroducingmore peopletoAfrohair,wealsoworkwithallhairtextures

Howmanyindividualshaveyoutrainedthusfar?

Quantifyingtheexactnumberischallenging,butasan example,I'vebeendoingthisforover25years,andthereare typicallyabout20-25peopleineachclass,soIwould estimateittobeinthethousands

Whathasbeenthefeedbackregardingyourworkandthe academy?

Theconceptoftheacademyhasbeenwell-received,and wehavehadtheopportunitytocollaboratewithnumerous organisations,whichhasbeenexceptional Priortoour initiative,noonehadtakenstepsinthisdirection,even thoughtherewasacleardemandforit Organisationshave embracedtheneedforchangeandhavereported improvementsintheirunderstandingandcompetencein workingwithAfrohair This,inturn,expandsopportunitiesfor individualswithAfrohairtoenterspaceswheretheymaynot havebeenincludedbeforeduetoalackofcultural competence,suchasfilmandTV Additionally,Ivisitmany universitieswherestudentsarepursuingaHigherNational Diploma(HND)inmediamakeupandfilm Iamproudthat theacademycannowenhancetheskillsofexisting hairdressersandbeintroducedearlyinindividuals'careers Inyouropinion,arethereenoughproductsavailablefor BlackandBrownskininWales?

Yes,Ibelievetherearemanyproductsofferedbysmall independentbusinesses butawarenessofthese establishmentsmaybelacking Somepeopleprefertoshop onlineorimportproductsfromBristolorLondonandeven abroad However,whenyouvisithighstreetretailers,the selectionisquitelimited Inthepasttwoyears Iamaware thatBootshasintroducedarangecalledCantu,whichhas gainedpopularity butthereisstillinsufficientvariety

Whyisitessentialfororganisationstolearnhowtoworkwith Afro-texturedhair?

Duringmyhairdressingtraining,Iwasonlytaughttoworkwith Caucasianhair Irecallaskingmytutorwhywewerent learningaboutAfrohair,andherresponsewas,"thereisno demandforit HereIwas,aBlackgirlstudyinghairdressing, andIreceivedthatresponse Ifirmlybelievethateverysalon shouldpossesstheseskillssothatanyonewhowalksintoa salonfeelswelcomeanddoesn'thavetobedirected elsewhere Asournationbecomesmorediverse,itis imperativetorecognisethatCaucasianhairisnottheonly typeofhairthatneedsattention

Nathan Palmer

Nathan Palmer specializes in made-to-measure services as well as bespoke, handmade suit services, which complement their smart/casual range perfectly, creating the entire image of the perfect gentleman. Nathan Palmer Bespoke creates clothing for men, women, and children.

When did you start your career as a tailor?

Istartedstudyingfashiondesignin2007and beganmybusinessin2010,initiallyfocusingon casualclothingitems However Itransitionedto makingsuitsin2015andofficiallylaunchedthe storein2017 Alongtheway Iexploredother designdisciplineslikegraphicdesign,interior design andartmediadesign allofwhichwere relevantandhelpedmeunderstandvarious aspectsofdesign Ivealwayshadapassionfor fashion,soIdecidedtopursuethatpath I'ma visuallearner capableoftakinginspirationand addingmyartistictouchtoit Iappreciate differentstylesandcolors andIenjoycreating bespokeitemsthatmyclientsfinddesirable

Is all of your work bespoke pieces?

No oftenIcreatebespokepieces butIalso incorporateoriginaldesignswithdifferentaccents tomakethemunique

Who would be your typical client?

Myclientscanrangefrom25to65yearsold, dependingontheirneeds Somepiecesare functional,whileothersareunique,one-of-a-kind creationsthatspeakforthemselves Clothing makesapowerfulstatement,anditsapleasureto dresssomeoneinawaythatbringstheir individualpersonalitytolife Statementpiecesare exceptionalbecausetheyallowpeopletoexpress themselveswithoutsayingaword

I'vebuiltstrongrelationshipswithmyclients,and theytrustmyvisionandideas Itakepridein givingmyclientsacompleteexperience,ensuring theyreceivemyfullattentionfromtheinitial consultationtothefinalpiece Ibelieveit's essentialtoseeclientsasmorethanjustasource ofincome;eachoneisunique,andIstriveto providethemwithundividedattention Iconsiderit aprivilegethateachcliententrustsmewiththeir time,andIaimtoensurethattheirtimeiswellrewardedwithapiecetheytrulylove

MyparentshailfromJamaica,andmy NantraveledontheWindrush,still celebratedaspartofthatmovement Theyarrivedhereinthelate60sand early70s Bothofthemembarkedon careersinthemedicalindustrybut initiallyfacedsomechallengesdueto theirskincolor Whiletherewasn'tovert hostility,itdidtaketimeforthemto settleintotheirroles Throughtheir unwaveringperseveranceand determination,theywereableto overcometheseobstaclesandachieve successandgrowthintheirprofessions

Tell us who you are and what you do?

I'mNathanPalmer,atailor,andIrunNathan PalmerBespoke,locatedinCastleBuilding, Penarth

Where do you get your inspiration form?

Astheworldisamuchsmallerplace nowadays,Icangetinspirationfrom anywhere JustbylookingonInstagram I couldcomeacrossanimagefromJapan thatcouldsparkinterest Inspirationreallyis everywhere;youjusthavetobeopentoit

Do you make pieces that clients can wear again?

Ibelieveso Idesignpiecesinawaythat,although theycouldbeforaspecialoccasion,Imakesure thatallelementsofthedesignprocessare functionalandwillhavelongevity Ilovetothink aheadwhenIamdesigningandseethepieceas somethingtheclientwillwanttowearagain, perhapsastheirgo-totuxedoorevenforadate night Allmypiecesarehand-stitchedfromstartto finish Theprocessbeginswiththetailordrawinga uniqueblockpattern,whichismadetofollowthe characteristicsoftheclient’sbodyshapeand measurements Usingthisprocessallowsmeto followthecurvesandcontoursoftheclient’sbody shape Nextcomesthecustomizationofaccentsor accessories,whereIcanindividualizethepieceto theclientsspecificrequirements,suchasthe spacingbetweenbuttonsandtheangleofthe pockets

What word of wisdom can you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Iwouldsaythatthemainthingisperseverance Youre likelytoencountermany'no'sbeforeyouhear'yes,' butit'sallabouthavingtheresiliencetokeepgoing Ibelieveit'sessentialtomaintainapositiveframeof mindandstayfocusedontheendgoal Remember, oneday,thesmallraindropswillcreateabigpond I beganbycuttingclothonmykitchentableand welcomingclientsintomyhome Iadaptedto whateverIneededtodotomakemydreamcome true So,it'saboutdrive Ideasarejustideas;without theenergybehindthem,youwon'tbeinalignmentfor thingstomanifest"

What has been the most exciting experience of your career so far? Therehavebeenmany,likeattendingLondonfashion week ButIthinkthemostexcitingmomentIsofar,was thehonourofcreatingasuitforSamWarburtonwhich heworewhenhereceivedhisOBEfromtheQueen AlthoughIstillhavemanyotheraspirationssuchas dressingIdrisElba

What does the future look like for Nathan Palmer Bespoke? Iwanttocontinuetomybuildclientbase,and ventureintocreatinganeverydaycollection Iwantto continuetoholdannualfashionshows,whichIenjoy preparingforandjustkeepgoing beingopentonew ideasandopportunities Fashiondoesfullcirclesbut thereisalwaysroomfornewconcepts

“It's about drive. Ideas are just ideas; without the energy behind them, you won't be in alignment for things to manifest.”

wwwnathanpalmercouk

Paul Smith

OriginallyhailingfromJamaica,Paul SmithhaschosenWalesashishome HeishappilymarriedtoClaudette,and together,theyareproudparentsoffour beautifuldaughters.Paul'sjourneyhas beenmarkedbydedicationandhard work,ashebuilthispropertyand constructionbusinessfromtheground up Heisdrivenbyaprofoundpassion formentoringyoungindividuals,helping themacquiretheskillsneededto becomeself-employed Paulstandsas avaluableassettoWales,embodying thetruespiritofaJamaicanman!

TanCerddisacommunity interestcompanyaimedat amplifyingandcelebrating musicofBlackWelshorigin Tan CerddwasfoundedbyDionne Bennet,JasonFarrell,andLekan Latinwo,allofwhomare establishedexpertsinthemusic industryinWales

Thisexcitingneworganizationis basedinChapterArtsinCanton andhopestoencouragemore peoplefromdiverse backgroundstoengagewiththe artsinallprofessions,aswellas tovisitthecenterandmakeit theirhome

Thereisalotplannedfor2023, witheventsalreadyhavingtaken placeattheiconicCardiff museumandTramshed For moreinformationonupcoming eventsandhowyoucouldbea partoffutureevents,please emailtheteam

In Loving Memory Of

PattiFlynn

PattiFlynn(bornPatriciaMaudeYoung,1937–10September2020) wasajazzsinger,author,modelandsocialactivist.Shewasa founderandpatronofBlackHistoryWales In2019shewas honouredwiththeEthnicMinorityWelshWomenAchievement Association's(EMWWAA)LifetimeAchievementAward

Pattyi Flynn’s early career was influenced by the local Butetown singer Victor Parker, who was the first person to call her up onto the stage. She loved Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand, and Blossom Dearie.

PattiFlynnwasbornPatriciaMaudeYoungin 1937inSophiaStreet,Cardiff Shewasthe youngestchildofseventoWilmottGeorge YoungandBeatriceYoung(néeSilverHer fatherwasmerchantseamanfromJamaica andhermotherwasfromCardiff Herfather cametoCardiffduringthe1920sandduring theSecondWorldWarhelosthislifewhenhis boatwastorpedoed

PattistarredintheWestEndhit'BubblingBrownSugar'inLondon'sWestEndinthelate'70s And sangwithJeffGoldblum'sbandinLA Performingallovertheworld,sheappearedwiththeold varietyguardbackintheday,includingBruceForsyth,TommyCooper,LesDawson,andmany more.PattyevenstartedherownradioshowinMarbella,aplaceshecalledhomeduringthe80's.

FiveinterestingPattiFlynnfacts

1:PattiworkedhardtoensurethatservicepeoplefromtheglobalmajorityfightingfascismduringWWIandWWII wereacknowledged,celebratedandremembered.Asaresultofherefforts,everyNovembertheBritisharmyand Navy,nowholdaremembrancedayinhonouroftheirsacrifices ThisisparticularlyimportanttoPattiasher fatherandtwobrothersgavetheirlivesfightingfortheBritisharmyduringWW11

2:PattienjoyedcelebratingBlackHistoryMonth,bothasapatronandactivist Sheregularlygavetalksand workshopstotheyoungandoldabouttheimpactofracismandthecontributionstoWelshculture,commerce, andeducation Pattiwasgladtoseethatpeoplefromtheglobalmajorityandtheircontributionswasnolonger confidetojustonemonth,butcelebrated365.

3:WhilstvisitingMichaelhersoninLAsheattendedaneveningwithUriGeller,whichledtoherthrowingherbra ontothestagetowinaprize SheevensangwithJeffGoldblumandhiscelebrityband,assumingherDivarole 4:Attheageof67,PattiattendedRuskinCollege,whereshestudiedBlackHistory Thisexcitingopportunitycame asaresultofPattiwinningabursaryfromRadio4'sWoman'sHour Pattidevelopedaskillforwritingandeven wroteseveralpoetrybooks.

5:PattihostedherownradioshowinMarbella,Spain,whichbecameverypopularwiththelocals Shehadafew celebritieson,suchasFrankBruno,KevinKeegan,andKennyLynch,whooncechangedaplugforheronthe show.

Pattilegacywillalwaysliveoninherfamily,friends,and music aswellasherdedicationtoincreasingracial equity Heractivismandtirelesseffortsensuredthat peopleofcolourneverfeltlikevictimsbutalwayssaw themselvesasexcellent Thislegacycanbewitnessed inherchildren,whogrewupbelievingthatanything waspossibleandthatthecolourofyourskinholdsno barriers

Pattiwasalsotheperfecthostess,openingupher hometoartistsontheroadandofferingthembedand board Shelovedpeople,regardlessoftheir background,andsetafirmexampleforherchildren that underneathitall weareallthesame Patti welcomedallkindsofartiststravelingtothecity, includingcomedians,dragqueens,ventriloquists, dancers,andsingers Herchildrengrewupwitha senseofbelongingandanunderstandingthatpeople arejustpeople

PattiFlynnisWales firstBlackwomentoreceivea purpleplaque UnveiledinMarch2023,attheCabaret barattheWalesMilleniumCentre

Legacy

In March 2023 a purple plaque was unveiled at the Wales Millennium Centre to commemorate Patti Flynn (1937-2020), best known as a jazz singer. The WMC was one of her many performance venues.

-Woman’sHistoryWales.

Michael,Patti’sson,said,'Shewouldhavebeenhonoredand humbled,butnotsurprised(shewasaDivaafterall) Butshe wouldhavelovedtohaveseentherangeofindividuals, governmentofficials,andorganizationswhotooktimeoutof theirbusyweekendstoturnupandcelebrateher InformationsuppliedbyMichaelFlynn

Aleighcia Scott

Reggaeartist, BBCradio/TVpresenter. CatchhershoweveryThursdayat 7pmonBBCRadioWales.

CongratulationstoAleichiaScottforbeing longlistedforaGrammycelebratinghernew album,'WindrushBaby’.

EmbarkonajourneyintotheheartofWelshheritagewiththe 'Windrush@75Documentary'DiscoverthestoriesoftheWindrush generationwhocontributedtotheNHS,railways,andmorein Wales Joinusforanunforgettablecinematicexperienceaswe celebratetheirlegacy Thepremiereison7thOctoberat CineworldCardiffBay.Getyourticketshere.

HowGreatThouArt News

We Talk to Playwright and Actor Christopher Tajah about the inspiration behind his play

Synopsis:

In1960,Admiral,then12yearsold,alongwithhisBarbadian parents,proudlyacceptedtheirinvitationtocomeandrebuild BritainfollowingtheendoftheSecondWorldWar Likemany recruitedthroughouttheCaribbean,theyansweredthecallofthe MotherCountry,leavingtheirhomelandtoworkandliveinBritain Now71 AdmiralisbeingreturnedtotheCaribbeantoalandthat henolongerknows

Talk to us about the inspiration behind your play 'Admiral' and how the idea for this story came to you

IwroteAdmiralin2021 Ithadbeeninmymindforsometime soit wasntverydifficulttoputthestorydown Itrevolvesaroundthe governmentsabysmaltreatmentofsurvivingmembersofthe Windrushgeneration Thesearepeoplewhohadbeeninvitedand requestedtouproot,movetoanewcountry,leavingbehind everythingtheyhadknownupuntilthatpoint,tobeginanewlifein theUnitedKingdom

HavingcomeovertotheUKtofillvacanciesforjobsthatBritish nationalscouldn'torwouldntsignupfor,peoplefromtheWest Indieswerewelcomedwithopenarmsandplayedtheirrolein helpingrebuildthecountryaftertheSecondWorldWar After readingstoriesaboutthechildrenoftheWindrushandtheshipHMS WindrushdockingatTilburydocksin1948 whichmarkedthearrival ofthisheroic courageousworkforce Ibegantoreadmoreabout thisgenerationofhardworkingpeoplewhohadarrivedonthese shores Theyhadbeenencouraged enticed andcajoledtocometo thiscountrytowork paytheirtaxes rebuildthecountry start families,andbuildnewlives

Forthisgeneration,thesestalwartsofsociety,tohavetheirBritish citizenshipthrownintoquestion,revoked,rejected,orwithdrawnleft themconfused,isolated,andbetrayed Havingtoprovide documentationtoprovetheiridentitymeantthattheirlives,sweat, andtoilthattheyhadexpendedoveraworkinglifetimeherein Britainhadbeenannulled Afterreadingsomeofthesereal-life stories Iwascompelledtowriteasoloplayaboutindividualsbeing treatedinthisdespicable shamefulmanner

The experiences of the Windrush Generation are an important and integral part of British history What motivated you to bring Admirals story to the stage?

Iwantedtosharethestoryofthatgenerationwithyoungergenerations ofallcultures Theatreisapowerfulmediumtoopenupissues,explain, andsharethelifeexperiencesofpeopleorgenerationsyoumightnever havemetorthoughtwouldbeinterestingtolistentoandlearnfromas valuedmembersofsociety Ibelieveitisimportanttowriteandpresent charactersoftheAfricandiasporafromvariousgenerations histories experiences andlifestyles Iwantedtowriteandperform'Admiral becauseIbelievetheatreisanexcellentwaytoshareexperiences dispelmyths educate andgivepeopleavoice

The Windrush Generation's experiences have gained more visibility in recent years What do you hope audiences will take away from "Admiral," especially in the context of ongoing conversations about immigration and identity?

AswithanythingIwriteorperform Ihopethataudiencesstayin touchwithmysocialmedianetworksandcometoseeoneofmy fourproductions Whenaudiencescometosee'Admiral,Ihopethey listentotheexperiencesofamemberoftheWindrushGeneration WhatwastheBritainthattheyfound?Howweretheytreated?Did theyfaceracism?Ifso,how?Whatwasitliketoreceivenotifications fromtheHomeOfficeaskingthemtocometotheirofficeswiththeir paperworktoprovethattheywerelegalUKcitizensafterliving, working,andbeingBritishtaxpayersforseveraldecades?Whatwas itlikenothavingaccesstoemploymentandNHSmedicationwhile theywerebeinginvestigatedbytheHomeOffice?Didtheybecome depressedorunwellduetotheuncertaintyoftheirsituation?Ihope thataudienceswillbeinterestedinlearningwhatitfeelsliketobe invitedintoacountryasayoungboywithhisfathertohelpthe economy workallhislifeasanhonestmemberofsociety andthen asapensioner,tobeaccusedofoverstayinghiswelcome,beingan illegalimmigrant,andshownthedoor

Lastly, what message or feeling do you want the audience to take away after experiencing "Admiral"?

Idon’twanttoplaceanydemandsonaudiencemembers Ihope thatwhentheycometoseethisplayoranyofmyplaysthattheywill hopefullyhaveenjoyedtheshowandperformance Ihopethatthey willhavefounditinterestingandentertainingaswellasinformative PerhapsafterwatchtheshowithasmadeyouangryonAdmirals behalfandtheproductionmaymakethemfeelthattheywantto writeto theirMPorCouncillor tomaybefindtheirlocalWindrush campaigngrouporsignuptoapressuregroupviaawebsiteor socialmedia Butevenifnoneofthoseactionsresult justcomingto watchtheplaywillsuffice Iwillhavedonemybitbyproducingand presentingtheplayandyouwouldhavedoneyourbitbycomingto seeit IwillhavesharedAdmiral’sstorywithoneotherpersoninthe worldandthatsmorethanenough

ChristopherTajah’sotherwork: DreamofaKing(solo-playaboutMartinLutherKingJr) ShadowUnderaSettingSun(solo-playaboutMartinLutherKings widow)

UnderHeavensEyes-theSystemicandSystematicUnjustified KillingsofBlack Lives(AplayaboutGeorgeFloyd)Nowplayingin NewYork

FollowChristopherhere: https://linktree/christophertajah @CTajahOfficial

“Admiral Of The Windrush”

AdmiralisasoloplaywithsongwrittenperformedanddirectedbyChristopherTajah

Interview by Jessie Grace

Gavin Porter

GavinPorterisafilm/documentary/theatre makerfromButetowninCardiff.Mostrecently, Gavindirecteda'live-documentary'called 'CircleOfFifths,'whichexplorestheconnection betweengrief,loss,music,andcelebratesthe traditionofButetownfunerals 'CircleOfFifths' isabouttotourWalesandLondon.

Previously,Gavincreatedaparticipatory theatreprojectcalled'TheBigDemocracy Project'withNationalTheatreWales,working acrossWales,endingina‘festivalof democracy’attheSenedd

GavinisaCloreFellowandhaswonaBAFTA Cymru.

Photo credit: Andrew Mcneil

Faces of the Caribbean

Photography: Gavin Porter

HowGreatThouArt

In conversation with: Donna Ali

DJ J A F F A

DJJaffastartedDJingin1985.Sincethen,hehasplayed everymajorfestivalintheUK.Internationally,hehas playedinGermany,Spain,Belgium,HongKong,Italyand mainlandChina Hehasplayedalongsideandsupported artistssuchas,KoolHerc,GrandmasterFlash, GrandwizardTheodore,CashMoney,SnoopDogg,The JungleBrothers,KoolKeith,MastaAce,BizMarkie,Ugly Duckling,Blade,BlakTwang,PublicEnemy,ASkills,DJ Yoda,GhostfaceKillahandthelistgoesonandon

2015markedhis30thyearasaDJ,andinDecember2015 hewonthebestDJawardattheCardiffMusicAwards

Currently,hehasabi-weeklyradioshowonRaptzRadio, broadcastoutofParisonwwwraptzcom,playing undergroundHipHop

Tellusabitaboutyourself,includingyourheritage.Areany ofyourfamilymembersapartoftheWindrushgen?

MygrandfatherwasaBlackAmericanGIwhowasstationed inWalesandmygrandmotherwasamixed-racewoman whosefatherwasfromSt Kitts

WhendidyourDJjourneybegin?

IstartedDJingin1985,whenIwasgiventhechancetoDJat mylocalYouthClub But,Ifinallygotmyownsetupand startedtotakeitseriouslyin1986 IwasaBBoyandusedto hangaroundinBristolwithacrewcalledBushPloy oneof themembers,aguycalledDennisMurraywhowentontobe DJEasygroove,wasthefirstpersonIsawcuttinguptwo copiesofthesamerecordrightinfrontofme Fromthat momentthatsallIwantedtodo

Aswecelebrate50yearsofHipHop,whathavebeenthe highlights?

I’vehadsomanyovertheyears,but afewthatstandoutare,getting signedtoJiveRecordsalongsideEric Martinasthegroup,JusttheDuce DJinBeijingandHongKong Doing productionworkinNewYorkand definitelyalltheartistsIvesupported liveovertheyears fromSnoopDogg toWuTangandeveryonein between

Whowereyourfavouritesbackin theday?

Somanyamazingartists,buttobehonest,Ivealways gravitatedmoretoindividualrecordsmorethanbea diehardfanofanartist MyfavouriteHipHoprecordofall timeisEricBisPresidentbyEricB&Rakim

HowdoyouthinkHipHopculturechangedtheworld?

Lookaround,HipHopsinfluencecanbeseeneverywhere, fromthewayeverytypeofmusicisproduced,tofashion, art,eventhewayfilmsoundtracksarecompiled Ithasall beeninfluencedbyHipHopinonewayoranother Eventhe band Oasis whentheywereinbetweendrummersthey sampledadrumloopononeoftheirrecords Now,ifthat aintstraightoutoftheHipHopplaybookIdontknowwhat is

together,weareaforcetobereckonedwith.

DoyouthinkthatHipHopculturewillstillbecelebratedin thenext50years,ifso,why?

SomepeopledidntthinkHipHopwouldbearoundpastthe 1980s,soforittostillbearoundandbiggerthaneverin 2023 Iwouldsayitsheretostay

BlackandBrownpeoplehavealwaysbeenassociatedwith themusicandsportsindustry,butsomehaveusedthat influenceforgoodandcreatedbusinessesand philanthropy Whatdoyouthinksomeofthecommon misconceptionsarearoundHipHop?

I’veheardpeoplesayitpromotesviolence Somewouldsay itslyricsarefullofmisogyny Grantedalotoftheartistswho arelikethat,arelikeitbecausethemajorlabels

andmainstreamradiotellthemthat iswhatsells Ifthereare100artists whomaybeseenas‘promoting violence’,therearethousandsmore whosemessageispositive,butwill nevergetachanceat‘mainstream success ’,becauseoftheCEOsofthe companiesdictatethemarket

That’swherethemisconceptions comein becauseofthevisibilitythe mainstreamgivescertainartists peoplethinkthatisallHipHopis about Themusicinallitsformsis justoneelementofabiggerculture

Whatdothenext10yearsofyourcareerlooklike,interms ofmusic?Whatdoyouhopetoachieve?

MoreDJing,inclubsandforartists Istartedproducingagain aboutninemonthsago,sohopefullyafewprojectscoming out Also workingalongsideDionneBennettatTanCerddto helppromotemoreWelshBlackartistsandartistsmaking musicofBlackorigininWales

DJJaffaispassionateaboutseeingyoungpeoplereach theirdreams,asafatherofanewlyqualifiedteacher,Jaffa hasalwaysbelievededucationisimportantandwouldlike topassonhisDJknowledgeandlivedexperiences Heis availabletovisitschoolsandgivebacktoyoungpeople Interestedinworkingwithhim?

WhatcanwelearnfromHipHop?

The‘tagline’forHipHophasalwaysbeenpeace,unity,love andhavingfun butIwouldalsoaddcommunityand activism BecausewhentheHipHopcommunitycomes

Forbookingsemail-djjaffa2@gmailcom, wwwmixcloudcom/djjaffa

forDJJaffamixesFacebook:DJJaffa Twitter/IG@djjaffa

Eric Martin

EricWilliamMartinistheyoungestof13children borntoEricSnrandCynthiaMartin,whowere originallyfromJamaica EricSnrfirstarrivedinthe UKin1949,andafewyearslater,hiswifeCynthia joinedhim EricSnrworkedasapastorandstone mason,whileCynthiapursuedacareerasan Englishteacher CynthiawasborninKingston, Jamaica,butwasraisedinSt Mary,locatedinthe northeastsectionofJamaica EricSnrwasbornin PortMariabutraisedinPortAntonio,thecapitalof theparishofPortlandonthenortheasterncoastof Jamaica

TheMartinswereawell-establishedmarried couplewithchildrenbeforetheirarrivalintheUK, wheretheymadetheirhomeandsettledinWales

Sadly,Mr andMrs Martinarenolongerwithus,but theirlegacy,contributions,andthestrengthof futuregenerationscontinuetoendure

EricMartin’scontributiontothegrowthofhousemusicas aglobalphenomenonisundeniable Startingasa writer/programmeratZomba/JiveRecords,Ericcameto fameasanoriginalmemberoftheseminal’90sHouse actTechnotronic,co-writingtheirclassic‘PumpUpThe Jam’multi-platinumalbumandsellingover14million copiesworldwide

Eric'sfirstsoloproject‘AsFarAsI’mConcerned’onIsland RecordsfeaturingGuruofGangstarr,GroupHome,Tony Touch,EvilDeeandTheRoots,wasshort-listedforthe MercuryMusicPrize

Erichaswrittenand/orproducedforTechnotronic,Shaun Escoffery,AkilTheMC(Jurassic5),MaxiPriest,Capleton, andJeffBecktonamebutafew.

Hehasalsodevelopedaground-breakingClassicHouse DJsetandestablishedanexcitingGarage/Houserecord labelcalledMusicatedRecords,currentlyholdingthe number1#spotintheGaragechartatTraxsource!

Weneedyou!

By:AnthonyPembleton

Iwashangingbytheport,aformerslaveryresort.It isahauntingplace,wheremyancestorswere broughtandthensold.Hangingfromatreewasa posterofawhitemanwhoseemedtobepointing atme,withthewords,'Weneedyou;thisiswhat weweretold.'

Themotherlandwascalling,aplacewherethesun doesn'tshine,butthestreetsarepavedwithgold.I hearallthetime.Iwastemptedbutconfused;the wordswerebold,seemingurgentandinviting. DoesitmeanthattheUKisbetternowthatthey havestoppedfighting?

Themomentisnow,thepost-slaveera,orisit?Will webewelcomed?Willwebesafe?Theysaythere areopportunitiesandlotsofmoneytomake.ButI heardit'scold,wet,andgrey.Imustdecideiftoday istheday.

TheUKgovernmenthasmunicipalpowers.CouldI reallyleavethewarmJamaicanshowers?Leaving myisland,solaid-backandchill,toworkforthe menthere.WhatifIgetill?

I'mhappytograft,butImustbepaidfairly.Will theyhonourthehoursIputin,orisitaremakeof slavery?Thepostersaysgo,arethewagestoo low?Imustmakeenoughtopayformymywife andmypickneytoshow.

IfIleave,I'llbelegit.AsacolonialJamaican,I'm alreadyaBrit,soIcanpavethewayformyfamily tocome.Putinfiveyearsofhardgraft,andthen sendformymum.

It'salongtrip,manyhoursonthesea I'mnervous, I'mscared,butIwon'tbejustme.Abrand-new placeiscallingandbeckoningme.ShouldIstay,or shouldIflee?"

TheButetownDominoClubatButetown CommunityCentreinCardiffisnotjustagame; it'sahubofsocialinteraction competition and friendshipthathasbeenacornerstoneofthis diversecommunityformanyyears.Theclub startedintheGoldenCross,andlaterfoundit homenestledintheheartofButetown,avibrant andculturallyrichneighborhood,thecommunity centerhasbecomeasecondhometomany residents withtheDominoesClubbeingoneof itsmostcherishedfixtures

Everyweek,agroupofenthusiasticplayers gathersatthecentertoindulgeinthetimeless gameofdomino Theatmosphereiselectric, withtheclick-clackofdominotilesresonating throughouttheroom,punctuatedbylaughter, friendlybanter,andtheoccasionalgroanof defeat.It'saplacewherepeopleofallages, backgrounds,andabilitiescometogether, transcendinglanguageandculturalbarriers

Theclubservesasabridgethatconnects generations Elderssharetheirwisdomand strategieswiththeyoungerplayers,whilethe youthinfusethegamewithafreshenergyand enthusiasm It'sabeautifuldisplayofthe community'sunityandatestamenttothepower ofsharedinterestsinfosteringsocialcohesion

Butetownhasarichhistoryofdiversity,with residentshailingfromallcornersoftheglobe

TheButetownDominoesClubreflectsthis diversity,withplayersrepresentingvarious culturesandbackgrounds It'samicrocosmof theglobalvillagethatisButetown,andit celebratestheuniqueblendoftraditionsand experiencesthateachmemberbringstothe table

Beyondthegameitself,theDominoesClubhas playedapivotalroleinpromotingcommunity engagement Ithasorganizedcharityevents, fundraisers,andcommunityoutreachprograms, demonstratingthatit'smorethanjustagame club;it'saforceforpositivechangeinthe neighborhood

theDominoesClubatButetownCommunity CentreinCardiffembodiesthespiritofunity, diversity,andcommunity It'saplacewhere friendshipsareforged,traditionsareshared,and asenseofbelongingiscultivated This unassumingclubhashadaprofoundimpacton thelivesofthosewhofrequentit,servingasa shiningexampleofthepowerofcommunity bonds

The Butetown Domino Club

Members of the Butetown Domino Club

Dominoes is a beloved and integral part of Caribbean culture, deeply ingrained in the social fabric of many Caribbean nations. It's not merely a game but a cultural phenomenon that brings people together, fostering camaraderie, competition, and a strong sense of community.

Kyle’sartistryhasexpandedintoseveral genresfromwritinganddirectingfor animation,filmmaking,theatreand graffitimurals,aswellasdesigningand makinghisowngraffiticlothingline Kylehaswritten,directed,designedand animatedfour2Dshortfilmsfor Channel4andS4C Healsomakes musicvideosandcoverartforlocal bands In2015,Kylebecamethefirst artistinresidenceforNationalTheatre Wales Asanemergingdirectorin 2018/19,heworkedonproductionsof Storm1,2&3,collaboratingwiththeatre directorsMikeBrooksandMikePearson Heisnowapanelmemberforthe organisationandcontinuestofacilitate workshopswithmanydifferent communities,artists,performersand practitioners,involvingperformance, makingmusic,creativewritingand creatingscenery In2017,Kylewrote, designedanddirectedhisownplay ‘R.A.T.S’(RoseAgainsttheSystem), whichwasstagedintheroofvoidatthe WalesMillenniumCentre Hehasalso activelycontributedtomulti-platform artworksforanexhibitionthatexplores thelegacyoftheCardiff1919raceriots Kyle’sheritageisconnectedtothe CaribbeanIslandofBelize HigherGraphics

Interested in working with kyle? Contact him@

OUT OF THE BLUE

BY Carl Connikie

Chapter 1 Dutty Babylon

Afterfinishinga2-10pmshiftattheRoyalGwentHospital,Iheadedofftowardtown, makingmywaytoZiggy’sbaronUpperDockStreet.ItwasmyusualhauntwhereI danced,drankbeer,andchasedgirlsuntiltheearlyhours.Itwasasmallbasementclub whererevelerswerecrammedinlikesardines,listeningto80spopmusic Madonna’s “LikeaVirgin”wasfading,andMichaelJackson’s“Thriller”beganplayingasIdescended thesteepstaircaseandheadedtomyusualspotbehindtheDJ’sposition Dressedin blackleathertrousersandaredleatherjacket,IlookedlikeanextrafromoneofMichael Jackson’svideos.Therewasalwaystensionattheclub,primarilyduetoitscompact nature,sowhiletryingtoenjoytheevening,Ialsoremainedvigilant,justincase A slightlyprolongedstareinsomeone’sdirectionortalkingtoagirlwhoseboyfriend, unbeknownsttome,hadgonetothetoilets,couldsparkafight.Onceitbegan,itcould quicklyescalate,withvariouspeoplejoiningin Boysfromlocalvalleytownsoftencame toNewportforagoodfight,andiftheycouldbeatupablackmanintheprocess,it cappedagoodnightout.

Thehotandstickyeveningendedwithmeandafewfriendsspillingoutofthebarat1 amontotherelievingcoolfreshairofthepavement We’dusuallyqueueupatthe takeawayforchipsandcurrysauceafteranevening’sentertainment,andaswewere headingthatway,twomenbeganabrutalfightoutsidetheclub.Duringthebrawl,the aggressor,asix-foot-tallwhiteguywithastockybuild,punchedanotherguy,whowas slightlytallerandslimmer,flushonthechin,knockinghimoutcold Hefelllikeanaxed oaktreeandwasoutbeforehisheadhittheground.Theattackerwasaboutto administeraproperbeatingwhenweintervened,preventingfurtherheadinjury Atthat moment,Inoticedthattwopoliceofficershadobservedthefightanddeliberately duckedbackaroundthecornertoavoidgettinginvolved.Theyhadbeenhiding,waiting forthebattletofizzleout Iwasincensed;whatifoneofthoseladshaddiedbecauseof theirinaction?Imarchedofftowardthemtogivethemapieceofmymind,buttheir sergeant,GaryPowell,interceptedme.WhenIchallengedhimandtheofficers,he calmlyreplied,'Listen,ifyouthinkyoucandoabetterjob,comeandjointhepolice'

Iwasexpectingdenial,aggression,orevenarrest ThelastthingIexpectedwasforthis guytoinvitemetojointhepolice.Ireturnedtothefightscenewheretheaggressorhad madehimselfscarce,andtheunconsciousguywascomingaround;hewasgoingtobe OK

Formonthsafterward,thisweirdinvitationfermentedinmyhead.Ineededacareerand thoughtthatIcoulddoabetterjobthanthoseofficers Backthen,urbanBritainwas tearingitselfapartwiththeminer’sstrikeandriotsintheBlackcommunitybecauseof heavy-handedpolicing.Thecommunityfeltmistreatedthroughoverlyaggressive policingbyamonochrome,homogenousorganization Ithought,somewhatnaively, thatthetwosidesdidn’tunderstandeachotherandneededbringingtogether Isaw myselfasaBobMarleyfigure,holdingthehandofMichaelManleyinonehandand EdwardSeaga’sintheother So,itwasinthisfebrileatmosphereof1986thata26-yearoldunsuspectingBlackmanfromNewportcompletedtheapplicationformtojointhe MetropolitanPolice.

ExtractofCarlConnikie’sbookOutOfTheBlue Outsoon!

DorothyAnderson(alsoknownasDarorDoris)andHopeton AndersonarebothfromtheParishofStCatherineinJamaica DorothyfromBonnettandHopetonfromRedwood.Hopetonwas giventhenickname“Music”asachild,anditstuckwithhim,but healsobecameknownas“Andy”(shortforAnderson)whenhe movedtotheUK.

TheymetintheirteensandbecameengagedbeforeAndy traveledtotheUKin1961,withDorothyfollowingin1963.Both wantedtotravelandseedifferentpartsoftheworld,withplansto eventuallyreturntoJamaica.TheychosetheUKasafirststep duetoallitseemedtopromise Theymarriedin1964atWoodville RoadBaptistChurchinCardiff,surroundedbyfamilyandfriends. Andyworkedasabuilderandlaterbecameself-employed, workingasapainteranddecorator,whichheloved Forafew years,Dorothyworkedasaseamstressinaclothingstoreand alsoinafactoryuntilshegotthejobshewantedintheNHSasan Auxiliarynurse Sheremainedinnursinguntilsheretired,and somenursesanddoctorsstillrememberherwhenshevisitsUHW. Bothbecamelandlords,rememberingthestruggletheyhadto secureaccommodationwhentheyarrivedinCardiff,andthey lovehelpingpeople.

DorothyandAndyhaveonechild,adaughternamedSamanthaJoy,andareblessedwithmanygodchildren.Samanthaworksas aSeniorManagerinaWales-widechildren’scharityandhas alwaysworkedinthevoluntarysectorsinceleavingUniversity

AndywasdiagnosedwithDementiain2009,andDorothycared forhimathomeuntilhepassedawayin2019 Thefamilyreturned toJamaicafrequentlyforholidaysandtraveledtomanyother countries,butthecoupleneverfulfilledtheirdreamtomoveback 'home'permanently DorothyandSamwereabletofulfillhiswish tobeburiedinJamaicanexttohismother.

ItistheNHSthatDorothyviewsasthegreatestthingaboutliving intheUK,anddespiteitsproblems,shefeelsthatitisstillbetter thanhowhealthcareisdeliveredinmanyothercountries.Dorothy stillstruggleswithhowcloselytogethermosthousesaredesigned intheUKbutlovesthecommunitywhereshelives.Oneofthe disappointmentsaboutlifeintheUKisracism,butsheishappyto seemoremeasuresinplacetoaddressit"

The Anderson’s

LorenHenry

LorenHenryfoundedUrbanCircle Productionsin2006(astheywereknown then)withafriends whowantedtohelp youngpeopleinthelocalcommunity, engagingandempoweringthemthrough thearts UCPstartedoffinaninternetcafe andoveradecadelaterwithafully establishedworkingteam,developedintoa charityandareoneofthebiggestyouth initiativesoutsideofcouncil-ledprojectsin SouthWales

Lorenhasherrootsfirmlyplantedinher Jamaicanheritageandintroducedthefirst ReggaeandRiddimfestivalinNewportin 2022

ReggaeandRiddimismorethanafestival Reggae&Riddimisanexplorationofour youthworkvaluesandprinciplesand applyingittoconnectinglocaland internationalcollaboration Thisisaflagship projectfortheteamofprofessionalsat UrbanCircleandwelookforwardto welcomingeveryonetoournextsharingin July2024

Reggae&RiddimFestival,isaninternational projectofculturalreciprocityandrepair

Arran Jones

I'dliketostartmystorywithmygreat-great-grandfather,RuleroftheVai people,‘KingMomuluMassaquoi’,Africa'sfirstindigenousdiplomatandthe LiberiankingoftheGallinaskingdompriortoitsdissolutionbytheBritish

Bornin1869toawarriorqueenandking,MomuluMassaquoinotonlystarted mybloodlinebutalsoalonglineofMassaquoisthatarespreadthroughout theworld.

DuringMomuluMassaquoi'syoungeryears,hewastaught Muslimvaluesandsentawayonnumerousoccasionstostudy atMusliminstitutions,withMuslimvaluesaskeytohis development Later,inhisyoungerteens,hebecamefamiliar withaChristianmissionandwouldlatergetbaptisedto confirmhisChristianfaith Duringthelate1800s hewentonto studyabroadinNashville,Tennessee,USA Duringthisperiod,it wasveryuncommontobegreetedwithopenarms Ivealways foundthispartofhisstoryquitefascinatingduetothepolitical climateandracialtensionoftheareawherehewasattending university Itmusthavebeenterrifyingregardlessofhisroyal status

Afterawhileawayatschool hismotherpassedaway He valuedhisstudies,buthevowedtoreturntohispeopleasthe rightfulking Inturn hereturnedtoLiberiatobecrownedwitha crowngiventotheMassaquoisbyQueenVictoriaofEngland andcontinuehisfamily'sroyallegacy Nottoolongafterhe wascrowned,therewasmassiveconcernfromthepolitical sideofBritishcoloniststhathecouldprovedetrimentaltotheir planofspreadingcolonialvalues ThisendedupwithMomolu Massaquoisdethronementduetohisradicalchanges upsettingthegeneralpublicandalsoduetocolonialpressure Hehadmanyconcubinesandoffspringthroughouthislifeand politicaldealingsabroad

AfterMomulusdethronement,hewentontobecomethefirst indigenousAfricanDiplomatasConsulToGermanyfrom19221930andservedasakeyfigureindiplomaticrelationsbetween EuropeandthepeopleofLiberia/SierraLeone Healsowenton torepresenthiscountryattheUnitedNations Laterinhislife,he wouldproducemanynotabledescendants includingjazz musicians,authors,politicalactivists,dreamers,anddoers In 1922 hehadasonwhoisalsomygreat-grandfather ‘Murana Massaquoi KingMomuludiedin1938

MuranawasthesonofthegreatKingMomuluMassaquoiand, bybirth hadroyalbloodandresponsibilities Muranachosea lesspoliticallifestyleanddeclinedtheoffertotravelabroadto becomeadoctor ashisfatherhadwished Muranaeventually becameachefandtraveledthehighseasinsearchofa simplerlife

28-year-old Arran Jones, sharing a story with Xcellence Magazine about his family history and continuing to further his family's noble legacy.

WhenhedockedinCardiffitdidn’ttakelongforhimtomeetmygreatgrandmotherandthey wentontoproducemygrandmotherLynetteMarieMassaquoi Muranawasaveryreligiousandveryoldschooltypeofman Hefirmlydecriedthe heavyinfluenceofwesterncultureonhisdaughterandalwayswantedtotakeherback toSierraLeone/Liberiatogethermoreaccustomedwithherbloodline Duringthis timeitwasgreatpoliticalunrestinhishomecountrywhichsealedthefateofany possibilityoftravellingthereforherasthecountrywasinapoliticaltailspinwhich wouldeventuallyturnintocivilwar,thisturbulenceinMuranashomecountry,madeit notsafeforhertotravelduetohisfearofbeingsegregatedfromhisdaughteranda polaroppositeofculturethatcouldhaveprovenconsequentialforhersafety

Muranalivedthesimplelifehehadalwayswanted andbeganalegacyinWales,whichIintendto continue Mygrandmother Lynette livedaseminormallife,albeitduringaneraofWelshhistory markedbyracism Despiteencounteringracism my grandmotherhadpeoplewhoprotectedherand madeherfeellikeshebelonged Laterinlife she gavebirthtomymother,Kerrie,who,inturn,gave birthtome Personally Ialsofacedalotofracism growingupinthesamearea,andmymother experiencedsimilarproblems However wetakepride inourAfricanfamilyhistoryandthelegacyweall strivetouphold

Overtheyears Ihavedelveddeeperintothe Massaquoifamilytreeandestablishednumerous connectionswithcousinsanddistantrelativesfrom allovertheworld Ievenassistedthemindeveloping thelogofortheMassaquoiHeritageMuseumthey planonopening TheMassaquoisarestillactive,and Ifeelthatmyrole althoughsmall servesasabridge betweenWalesandSierraLeone/Liberia

Thestoryoffreewill,theappreciationofdifferentcultures,andembracingthepotentialdangerduringthattimeperiod showtomethatmyfamilyareallpioneersofhumanrightsandleavetheirlegacywherevertheyventure I,too,have traveledtoothernationsforuniversitystudiesinneurobiologyandhavedevelopedabrightfutureinmyjazzcareer Ifeel thatlearningabouthowmyancestorsfoughtfortheirrighttoafree,well-educated,andhappylifeispropellingme forward Iftheycoulddoitduringthetimeperiodtheylivedin,despitethebacklashtheyendured,thensocanI,intheface ofwhateverchallengesstillremaintothisday

BeingabletosharethisstorywithpeoplearoundWalestoshowcasethatweallcomefromdifferentwalksoflife,and eachstoryshouldhaveitstimetoshine,inspiringnewgenerationsandemphasizingtheimportanceofAfricanculture Personally,Ivowtocontinuesharingthispieceofhistory Whetheritbethroughmusicormystudies,Iplanonsharingthis storywiththosewhoneedit"

The story of free will, the appreciation of different cultures, and embracing the potential danger during that time period show to me that my family are all pioneers of human rights and leave their legacy wherever they venture.

Arran Jones is a singer-songwriter and welcomes bookings for live performances for any occasion

I AM

Front Cover:

Model: Roma Taylor

Photography: Rueben Mulenga

Artistic Directors: Cardiff University Students: Sebastian Wooding, Zac Mullen, Nowshin Hossain, and Adhitya Gada

I am Roma Taylor

IamRomaTaylor,andIamthefounderandchairoftheWindrushElders Association,whichwasestablishedbyRaceCouncilCymru IarrivedintheUKin 1959asRomaGreenwhenIwas15yearsold,comingfromAntigua Mybrother wasthefirsttoarriveabout18monthsbeforeme;then hesentformymother and finally me asIwastheyoungestoffive

WhatistheonethingyourememberwhenyoufirstarrivedintheUK?

TheonethingIrememberwhenIfirstarrivedintheUKwasthestarkdifferenceintheweather Ithinkthatwasthebiggest cultureshock butasachild youjustgetusedtoit Ibelievetheadultsfeltabitdifferentbecauseittooksometimeforthemto adjust Ialwaysremembermymothercomplainingaboutthecold,butshestillwantedtoremainhere Itwasonlylaterinher lifethatshewantedtoreturntoAntigua AlthoughtheWelshweatherwasoftencold thewarmthIfeltwithinthecommunityI foundmyselfinmadeupforittenfold WesettledinthebestareatoliveinCardiffinthosedays,knownthenasTigerBay,also knownastheDocksorButetown TodayitiswidelyknownasCardiffBay Iwastoooldtoattendschool somymothersentme tonightschool Iusedtotravelonthetrolleybuses,whichwereusuallymanagedbyamanandhiswifebackthen The husbandswoulddrivethebus andthewiveswouldactasconductors

Whatwasitlikeleavingsuchavibrantarea?

Itwasdifficultleavingbehindsuchaclose-knitcommunity,butbackthen,youdidntprotest;yousimplyacceptedwhatyou weregiven Theydismantledtheoldhousesthatweresituatedclosetoeachother,wheretheadultscouldsitonthedoorstep andwatchthechildrenplay Theyreplacedthemwithflats,whichfeltisolatingbecauseyoucouldntopenyourdoorandsee oneanother ThingstrulychangedwhentheybuilttheflatsandtransformedLoudonSquareasweknewit

WhatisyourearliestmemoryoflivinginTigerBay?

MyearliestmemoriesoflivinginTigerBayrevolvearound thewaypeopletreatedeachother;ittrulywasa wonderfulplacetolive Itservedasahugemeltingpot forpeoplefromvariouspartsoftheworld,andtherewas nodiscriminationamongus;wealllivedasone However, asthelocalareaunderwentdevelopmentbythecouncil, wenoticedthatmoreandmorefamilieswerebeing relocated,significantlyalteringthe'feel'ofTigerBay Itis dishearteningtoseethatthistrendcontinuestodayas theareabecomesmoregentrified Thedismantlingof oldbuildingsandlandscapeshasalsomeantthe dismantlingofcommunities Unfortunately,today, familiesfromtheoldcommunityonlycometogetheron specialoccasions,typicallyforweddings,christenings, andfunerals

IamgratefultohavelivedinTigerBay Ihavefond memoriesofattendingthelocalyouthclub,knownasthe RainbowClub,whichisnowtheSalvationArmy The RainbowClubcateredtochildrenaged4-14,andwehad afantastictimeengaginginactivitieslikeartsandcrafts, photography,boxing,andmore Itwasrunbyalovely couplenamedMr andMrs Capener,whogenuinely caredforthelocalkidsandsupportedusinevery possibleway Mr CapenerservedasthechairofSouth WalesFilmsandhasarchivedalotoffootagefromthose goodolddays YoucanfindhisfilmsattheNational ScreenandSoundofWales OnecherishedmemoryI haveiswhentheRoyalfamilyvisitedTigerBay The Capenersaskedmeandtwootherlittlegirlstodressup intraditionalWelshcostumes TheRoyalfamilywavedto thechildren,andtheywavedback However,Icouldnt waveasIhadbeengiventheresponsibilityoflooking aftertwoyoungerchildren,oneofwhomwasElaine,Betty Campbell'sdaughter,andtheotherwasMarciaGreaves, wholaterbecamemysister-in-law

WhatdoesitmeantobeWelshtoyou?

Tome,beingWelshisallabouttraditionsand memories Ihavetwoverydearphotographsthat makemefeelWelsh,especiallywhenIlookatthem frommychildhood TheoneImentionedisoneoftwo thathavebecomesomewhaticonic,asit'sfeaturedin therevisedversionofthebookcalled ATolerant Nation Ionlylearnedafewyearsagothatthese photographswererescuedbyapasserbywho noticedashoeboxinaskipoutsidetheCapeners'old familyhome Thankfully,thiskindpersonnoticedtheshoeboxfilled withphotosandhandedthemtoButetownHistoryand Arts Otherwise,theselovelyimageswouldhave remainedjustapartofmymemories So,its heartwarmingtohavethesespecialimagesthat evokesuchfondmemoriesofwhatbeingbothWelsh andCaribbeanmeans Itmakesasenseofbelonging evenmorereal Lifecansometimescomefullcircle,as IhadthepleasureofmeetingKingCharleswhenhe visitedtheSeneddlastyear SomeonetoldhimthatI hadmethismother,thelateQueenElizabeth,whenI wasachild,andthatmadehimsmile So,Ibelieve therehavebeenmanymomentswhenIhavefeltlikeI belongtoBritain,notjustWales

BlackandWelsh:Roma topleft MarciaGreaves andElaineCampbelll

Interview with students from Cardiff University: Sebastian Wooden, Zachary Mullen, Nowshin Hossain and Adhitya Gada.

HowdifferentwaslifeherecomparedtolifeinAntigua?

Iremembergoingswimmingintheseabeforeschoolin Antigua WhenIcamehere,thatwasnotanoption,asit wasnotonlytoocoldbutalsobecausethemudflapsin theBaydidnotmakethewatersanitary Mymotherhad totakemetoBarryIslandorPorthcawl,andthatwasa hugedifference WhenIreturnhometoAntigua,Icry becauseIwanttostay,butIhavemyfamilyhere,andI missWales WhenIreturnhometoWales,IcrybecauseI missAntiguaandtheconnectionIhavethere So,Idon't gobackoftenbecauseit'stoohard

WhatwasyouradultlifelikehereinWales?

IleftCardifftotrainasanurseinBath,Somerset I completedtwoyearsoftrainingandthenreturnedhome becauseImissedCardiffsomuch Later,Igotmarried andhadsevenchildren Myjourneyintothearmybegan becauseIadmiredaladywhoalwaysworeauniform I wouldseeherwhiletakingmytwinstotapandballet classes Oneday,Iaskedherwhysheworetheuniform, andshetoldmeshewasinthearmy Ithoughtshe lookedamazing,important,andsmart Iwassotaken withtheuniformthatItoldherIwouldliketojoin She invitedmetocomewithher,andthatwasit Isignedup JoiningthearmywasoneofthebestthingsIeverdid Istayedfor25yearsandhadsomanywonderful experiences MyproudestmomentwaswhenIreceived mypinasarecruit ItissomethingIhavetreasuredever since,andIcallitmymedal Iwasdeterminedtoface challenges,includinggruelingassaultcoursesand fitnessregimes Ilearnedhowtofirearifleandhowto workinateam,whichwasthemostimportantaspect becauseeveryone'slifeliterallydependedoneachother, sowehadtoworkasone

So,youarethefounderandchairoftheWindrush CymruElders Howdidthatcomeabout?

Yes,IamconsideredpartoftheWindrushgeneration, andIfeltthattheremustbeothersinWaleswhowould liketomeetup So,IcontactedUzoatRaceCouncil Cymruandaskedifshewouldassistmeinsettingup somekindofnetworkforpeoplefromthesame generation RCChasbeenreallyinvestedinpreserving ourhistoryandensuringthatwestayactive,connected, andcelebrated Weachievethisbymeetingevery ThursdayattheRoyalWelshCollegeofMusicand Drama Wearetreatedtovariouslecturesthathelp keepourmindsactive,goondaytrips,sometimesto CardiffBayforaboatride andengageinvarious activities But,mostimportantly,wearethereforeach other

IamverygratefultoRCCforcreatingtheWindrush exhibitionthathastouredtheentireWales,educating peopleaboutthecontributionsmadebymyfellow WestIndiansandhowBritaincalledforhelp,andwe answered helpingtorebuildthecountry Itwasan honortobeasked,andithasbeenalife-changing experienceeversince Attimes weweremadetofeel athome,andattimes,wefacedhostility,butwearestill proudofthemarkwemade andmostofuswould answerthecallagain

Roma,alongwithheryoungestson,Daniel, proudlyshowshimherveteransbadge

WhatdoesWindrushdaymeantoyou?

Windrushdaymeanstheworldtome Onthe22ndofJune2019 Parliamentannouncedthe introductionofWindrushDay,acelebrationoftheWindrushgenerationintheUK Onthatday,my great-grandsonJacobwasborn sothefamilycallhimtheirlittleWindrushbaby Jacobisnow5 yearsoldandisasymbolofhope Ihave24grandchildrenand21great-grandchildren,andIam veryproudofthemall Theyarealldoingremarkablethingsandcontinuetoimbedtheirworkethicin thefabricofWales IamsogladthatBritaincalledushome;Weareveryfortunatetohavetwo homes oneinthesunandoneinourhearts

"I am 5 years old and was born on the day Parliament officially marked as Windrush Day.

I am a big fan of Super Mario.

My favourite foods are Spaghetti Bolognese and Pizza �� I enjoy watching Peter Rabbit, PJ Masks, and the Grizzly Bear.

I am an only child (for now).

I am very chatty and enjoy being outdoors, doing activities like swimming, playing football, and reading. I really enjoy Mr. Men books. I have a lot of friends, and my favourite thing to do is to go on holiday”.

Learn more about the Windrush Exhibition here:

I want the Lord to make me the light of the world.

Hi, everyone! My name is Jacob, and I am fourth generation of the Windrush. My family call me their Windrush baby. I am a symbol of hope for future generations.

Here is a bit about me...

“We are very fortunate to have two homes one in the sun and one in our hearts."

People and Places

Whoareyouandwhatdoyoudo?

IamMajorPeterHarrison Iworkat Headquarters160th(Welsh)Brigade,based inBrecon,whichisthehomeoftheArmyin Wales Mykeyroleiscommunity engagement,whichinvolvesworking alongsidediverseorganisations,withthe aimofeliminatingmanyofthenegative mythsabouttheArmy Itisimportantfor metomaketheseconnectionswithpeople inordertohavewhatcanbedifficult conversationsabouttheArmy. Beingpart oftheArmyisaprivilege,soitiseasyto talkhonestlyaboutanorganisationI cherishandthereforeoneofmyfavourite topicsofconversation.Ihavelearntalot duringmytimeinthisnewrole,especially aboutthemanydiversecommunitiesin Wales,whichinturnallowsmetoinformmy colleaguesintheArmy.Itisverymucha two-waystreet,tohelpincrease representationintheArmyandeliminate bias

Major Peter Harrison

BritishArmy

ThisissueofXcellenceisdedicatedtothe75th AnniversaryoftheWindrushgeneration,whathas theBritisharmydonetocommemoratethe soldiersfromtheCaribbeanCommonwealth?

In2018,aftera26-yearbattle,MsPattiFlynn,finally wonhercampaigntoensurethatBlackandBrown servicepersonnelwererecognisedand remembered Inhonourofthesacrificemadeby manytoBritain,aplaquewasunveilednearthe WelshNationalWarMemorialinAlexandra Gardens TheBritishArmyattendedtheceremony, whichwasalovelydaycelebratedbyover200 people MsFlynnlostherfatherandbrothersto2 WorldWars;shewasonamissiontomakesure thattheyandotherswouldberemembered

Interview with students from Cardiff University: Sebastian Wooden, Zachary Mullen, Nowshin Hossain and Adhitya Gada.

Canyouexplainalittlebitaboutyour journeyintotheArmy?

Iwasbornin1965,just20yearsafter WorldWar2 Ithinkmyjourneyintothe Armystartedfromayoungage,my fatherhadservedinWorldWar2,andhe wasamanofgreatprinciplesaround serviceanddutytoourcountry Iamsure thatheinfluencedmysenseofdutyas wellasthelimitedmediaoptionsatthat time Believeitornot,therewereonly3TV channelsavailableonTVwithmanyof theprogrammesreflectedontheWarin someways,eitherthroughWarmovies,or Hollywood’sinfluencewithWesterns, especiallyonaSaturdaymorning Many ofthegamesIplayedasachildrevolved aroundbeingasoldier,so,IguessIwas heavilyinfluencedbyallthosethings

Photographycredit:ReubenMulenga

Whywasthisnecessary,didtheBritishArmynotrecognise thesacrificeandcontributionfrompeopleofthe Commonwealthbefore?

Itisdifficultforsoldiersofmygenerationandthoseyounger tounderstandthedecisionsmadebythoseofearlier generations WhilsttheNationalWarMemorialinWalesis theretorecogniseeveryonethathasmadetheultimate sacrificefromthosethathavecomefromWales, regardlessofrace,colourorreligiousbeliefs,Iwashorrified tolearnthatsoldiersfromtheCommonwealthhavent alwayshadtherecognitiontheydeserved Itwas particularlyupsettingtofindoutthatifyouwerefromthe Commonwealth,youwerenotabletoparadeatmanyof theVictoryParades Impleasedtosaythistypeofattitude wouldnotbetoleratedtoday

Itwasatthememorialservicetorememberthose Commonwealthservicepersonnelthathadperished,thatI firstmetAuntyRoma(Taylor),whotoldmethatshehad servedintheArmyReservefor25years Iaskedherifshe hadreceivedherveteransbadge,shehadnot,throughmy contactsImadesomeenquiriesandverysoonAunty Romahadreceivedherpinbadgeasasmalltokenof recognitionforhervaluableservice Sadly,Romaisnot alone,therearemanyveteransinasimilarposition Itis importanttorememberifanyonehasservedinanyofthe UKArmedForces,forjustoneday,theyareclassedasa veteran,whichenablesthemaccesstoalotof organisationsthatcanhelpsupportveteranslaterinlife Thereisasupportnetworkavailable,whichiswhyitis importanttolocateandidentifyveteranssothattheycan accessthissupport,whichmanydon’tthinkisavailableto them

FormoreinformationgotoAdviceandsupportforveterans &ex-forces|Veterans'Gateway(veteransgatewayorguk)

HowcantheArmycontinuetoensurethattheservicepersonalfromallbackgroundsarecelebratedinmemoryandlife?

Wecancontinuetorecognisethecontributionsofallservicepersonnel,byhonouringthematalleventsandsupporting specificeventssuchasthelaunchofBlackHistoryCymru365 whichtheBritishArmyareproudPlatinumSponsors 203 Hospital,basedinLlandaffNorth,whereRomaserved,oftenhostmembersoftheWindrushCymrueldersattheReserve Centre TheWindrushflagisflownthereduringWindrushweekandtherearewreathslaidattheMemorialStonein AlexandraGardens,onbehalfoftheArmy,RoyalNavy,andRoyalAirForce

It is my vision to ensure the British Army is a Diverse organisation that embraces and celebrates the contributions of all who serve. I would particularly like to express my gratitude to those from the Commonwealth who have given and continue to give the UK unwavering loyalty. Without the contributions made by people from Africa, South East Asia and the Caribbean to the defence of the UK, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms we currently have

-Major Peter Harrison.

MajorPeterHarrisonandAuntyRoma

Photographycredit:ReubenMulenga

People and Places

Searching for our roots

IthadbeentwentyyearssinceIsetfootonJamaicansoil Thiswasthefirsttimeformytwosonsandmynephewtovisitthe countryoftheirGreatGrandmother'sbirth,Keturah Wepickedup'Grandma'KeturahfromBirminghambeforeflyingfrom HeathrowtoMontegoBayandembarkedonthelongestflighttheboyshadeverexperienced

Ofcourse,theheatgreetedourfacesasweexitedtheairportbuilding,alongwithabeautifulviewofMontegoBay!"

Wetraveledforanhourbytaxitoavillain'RunawayBay'Mynephewwasthefirsttoputonhisswimmingtrunksandjump intothepool Wehadalllookedforwardtothisholidayforyears,soIwasalittleworriedthattheexpectationswerehigh,and becauseofthat,thefamilycouldhaveadisappointingexperience Itwasimportanttomethateveryoneenjoyed themselvesandlearnedsomethingnewabouttheirculturethattheydidn'tknowbefore Wewereonourownjourneyof exploration,similartothatofWayneHowardandhisson,Connaugh,asdocumentedintheS4Cprogram'Teulu,DadaFi' (Family,Dad,andMe)"

Wehadsomuchfunexploringourisland!Wewent toDunn'sRiverFalls,horseridingonthebeach, tubingdownwaterfalls,visitedBobMarley'sfirst homeandfinalrestingplace,andexploredvarious beachesandrestaurants.

Dunn'sRiverFalls,ifyouhaven'tbeenthere,is incrediblybeautifulwithdeeppoolsandhuge rocksthatformconvenientsteps,makingiteasy toclimb It'sasifthefallsbeckonyoutoenter Of course,youhavetowearsomethingsensibleon yourfeetastherockscanbeslippery Thewateris pleasantlywarm;itdoesn'ttakeyourbreathaway butsoothesyou It'simpossibletoavoidthefeeling thatthewatersomehowhealsyou,andwhenyou leave,youdosowithaprofoundsenseofwellbeing

Thekidswerethrilledtohavetheopportunityto explorethechildhoodhomeofBobMarley,perhaps themostfamousJamaicanofalltime!ARastaman welcomedusinwithnobilityandaspiritualvibethat instantlyputusatease,evenbeforesippingasweet ganjatea Thetourincludedwhatisnowasmall villagewithgiftshops,anartdisplay,and entertainment HespokeabouttheRastafarifaith, Bob'ssongs,howthefamilylived,andshowedthe piecesofartcollectedbyBobMarley'smother, CedellaBooker Itwasfuntoburstintosongwithhim when'ThreeLittleBirds'andotherfamoussongswere mentioned Itsbeginningwasclearlysimpleand humblebutfulloflove,initiallyprovidingeverythinga growinglittleboyneeded

Unfortunately,BobMarley'sidyllicchildhoodtooka turnfortheworseafterBob'sfatherdied,asthelossof financialsupportmeanttheyhadtomovetoKingston However,intheyearsthatfollowed,withthehelpof BobMarley'ssuccessandlegacy,andthetalentofhis childrenandgrandchildren,thathumblefirsthome hasbeendevelopedandmaintained Smallchapels havebeenbuilttheresinceBobMarley'spassing, servingasasanctuaryforhim,hisbrother,and mothertothisday Asweexplored,IrememberedBob Marley'sstatement,“Ifmylifecan’thelpplentyof people,Idon'twantit”Icouldseehowevenindeath, hislifecontinuestosustainfamilies

Outsidetheattraction,weheardchildrenshoutingand reachingtheirhands,holdingouttheirphonesthrough thegapsinthegates,begging Itwasquiteamusing tohearthemattemptingtospeak witha'cockney'accentwhileasking, "Canyouspareanychange, m'lady?"Butitwasalsosadto seethatthereisstillsomuch povertyinthearea

Writtenby:NatalieJones

MysonMarley,exploring thehomeofBobMarley

Wehadsuchanemotionaltimevisitingfamily!Mymotherisan onlychild,soIdidn'tgrowupwithmanycousinsinBritain

However,Grandmawasoneofsevensiblings,andhersisterhad twelvechildren WewenttoseeGrandma'sonlysurviving brother,Cecil,whois89yearsold Despitebeingcompletely blindnow,hestillknewexactlywherethepictureofme,my husband,andmyfirstsonwas SqueezingGrandmatightly,with tearsinhiseyes,heexpressedhowhappyhewastobewithher Hesaidhewasstartingtoworryhewouldneverbewithher again

TheboysunderstoodtheprivilegeofmeetingtheirGreat-GreatUncle!Wealsometotherfamilymembers Theyliveonlovely countrysidelandthatfeelslikealittlecommune Thebungalows thathavebeenbuiltarenotluxurious buttheyprovide everythingthatisneeded The'ackee'treesprovidefoodforthe familyandalittleincomewheninseason Afterhavinga deliciousmealwiththissideofthefamily,wewentupthelanea littletoSt Toolies,whereGrandma'sfatherwasbornandburied ItwastherethatwegottoseeGrandma'sfather'ssister,Auntie Mary,whois99yearsoldandveryweaknow,butstillsmiling WeheardstoriesaboutherdoingGrandma'shairbeforeshe wenttoschoolandaboutstoppingatherhouseontheway hometohaveasnack Shewasanimportantfriendandrole modeltoGrandmawhenshewasgrowingup,aswellasbeing anAunt Wehadveryemotional'goodbyes'aswereluctantly toreourselvesawayfromAuntMary

This was probably the last time we will see Uncle Cecil and AuntMary,andGrandmabelivesitisthelasttimeshewillgo home Iintendtokeepintouchwiththefamilyandtheyoung members who are growing up there Im looking forward to going back there, and going to the National Archives to researchandlearnevenmoreaboutourfamilyshistory

Its a strange thing, to feel like Im at home in a country Ive visitedtwentyyearsapart Iknowthateveryonethereseesme asa'foreign'person,yethaswelcomedusasfamily Although IfeelWelsh,Ialsofeelstongly,thatIampartofthisisland

Stacianwasfulloffunandexcitedtointroduceustoher5-yearolddaughter Sheherselfwasonly3yearsoldwhenIfirstmether FourmonthsafterwereturnedhometoWales,Dianewasexcited andclearlyproudtotellusthatStacihadjustbeensuccessfulin applyingforajobatthebank,anopportunitytoimprovelifefor herandherlittlegirl

Lessthanamonthafterthat,weheardthatStacihadbeento dinnerwithfriendsanddevelopedstomachpainsthenextday As timewenton,Stacian'senergyandpainworseneduntilDiane,her mother,decidedtotakehertothehospital.ThereisnofreeHealth ServiceinJamaica,andtherefore,thewealthiestpeoplegetthe besthealthcare WhenDianecouldn'tbeartoseehersufferany longer,sheaskedthestaffwhytheyweren’tgivingherpainrelief Theanswerwasthattherewasnoneavailable–inahospital!So, Dianeleftherdaughter’ssideandwenttoapharmacytogether somemuch-neededpainrelief Stacitookthepainreliefandslept Sheneverwokeupagain

Thenewsofthishealthy,beautifulyoungwoman'sdeathhitlikea sledgehammer!Justafewdaysearlier,shewasaperfectpicture ofhealth It'sironicnow,butthelasttimeIsawher,shewas wearingavestthatsaid, Letmesleep

Followingapost-mortemreview,DianewastoldthatStacisheart wasenlarged,andatoxicologyreportrevealedshehadtheworst formofdenguefever However,theyhadbeentreatingherfor foodpoisoning Inshort,shediedduetopoverty

Andthat'sthemostsignificantlessonI'velearnedfromfollowing ourrootstoJamaica-Jamaicaisaparadiseforthosewith enoughmoneytoenjoyit

ThereisaGofundmededicatedtohelpingStacian’s5yearolddaughter.Ifyou wouldliketohelpgoto: Gofundmestacianvernon

Mymother'scousin,Barry(left)GrandmaKeturahand herbrotherCecilwhois89inmyin-lawshome Porus

I know that everyone there sees me as a 'foreign' person, yet has welcomed us as family.

StacianVernon 23yearsoldmum 'scousinsyoungestdaughter

Chwilio am ein gwreiddiau

RoeddhinugainmlyneddersifirhoifynhroedlawrardirJamaica Hynoeddytrocyntafifydaufabafynai,Lennon,ymweldâ gwladenieinNain,Keturah,HenNainyplant Codasomni Grandma’KeturahifynyoFirminghamcynhedfanoHeathrowamBae Montego,Jamaica

Wrthgwrs,taroddygwreseinhwynebaufelgadawsomni'rorsafawyren,felgwnaethyrolygfahardd!

Teithiwnniamawrmewntacsiifilayn RunawayBay’ Fynaioeddyrungyntafiwisgoithrônsnofioaneidioimewni’rpwll Roedden nigydwediedrychymlaenatygwyliauhynamflynyddoedd acfelly mioeddwni’npoenidipynbachfodydisgwyliadynanfertholac oherwyddhynna,gallai’rteulucaelprofiadsiomedig Roeddhi’nbwysigifibodpawbynmwynhaueuhunainadysgurhywbeth newyddameudiwylliantnadoeddentyngwybodo’rblaen

Wrthiniarchwilio,rwy’ncofiofideooBobMarleyyndweud,“Osnaallfymywydhelpudigonobobl,dwiddimeieisiaufe”Gallafweld suthydynoedmewnmarwolaeth,maeeifywydyndaligynnalteuluoedd

Hwyl

Gawsomnigymaintohwylynfforioeinhynys! Aethom niiDunn’sRiverFalls,reidioceffylarytraeth,myndlawr rhaeadraumewntiwbiaurwber,agymweldâchartref cyntafagorffwysfaderfynolBobMarley,hebsonamy traethauabwytai

MaeDunn’sRiverFalls,osnadydychchiwedibodyna, ynmorharddgydaiphyllaudwfnachreigiauanferth syddrhywsutyneisteddmewngrisiaucyfleusyn gwneudhi’nhawdddringo acyncroesawuchiimewn Wrthgwrsmaenrhaidgwisgorhywbethgallareich traedganfodycreigiauyngallubodunllithrig Maen bethrhyfedd,ondmae’rdŵrbronyngynnes Doesdim siocircorffwrthlithroimewn mae ’ngyfforddus dymunol Panmaendawelmae’namhosibosgoi’r teimladbodydŵryniachaolacwrthadael chinmynd atheimladolesgydachi

Roeddyplantwedigwirioniigaelbusnesuogwmpastŷ plentyndodBobMarley,ella’rJamaicanfwyafenwog erioed!GawsomnieincroesawuganDdynRastapwy wnaetharwaintaithogwmpasbethsyddbellachyn bentrefbachgydasiopaanrhegion,darnauoelfdiddorol, gydagadloniant Maeo’nsiaradamycredwyfRastafari, caneuonBob,sutoeddyteuluynbywacyndangos darnaucelfsyddwedicaeleucasgluganfamBob Marley,CedellaBooker Roeddhinhwylifyrstiomewn cânefofopansoniwydam ThreeLittleBirds achaneuon eraillganBobMarleysy’nenwog MaedechreuadBob Marleyynamlwgwedibodynunsymlagostyngedig,ond llawncariad,gydaphopethoeddangenarfoiidyfu’n iach Ond,ynanffodus,arôlidadBobmarw,achollen nhw’rincwmyna,roeddrhaididdynnhwsymudi’rddinas, sefKingston Ynflynyddoeddiwdilynmaercartref gostyngedigcyntafwedicaeleidatblyguganyteulu, diolchilwyddiantacetifeddiaethBobMarley,eiblantâ'i wyrion MaeynagapelibachwediadeiladuynoersiBob Marleyfarwsyncadwcysegriddofoaifrawdamam hydynhyn

Tuallaniratyniad,roeddynablantyngweiddiagwthio pocediarffonaudrwy’rbylchauynygiatiauyncardota Roeddhineithafdonioliglywednhwynceisiosiarad gydagacen cockney’wrthofyn,“Canyouspareany changemlady? Ondhefydyndristbodynadalgymaint odlodiynyrardal

MysonMarley,exploring thehomeofBobMarley

Written by: Natalie Jones

Gawsomniamsermoremosiynolwrthymweldâtheulu Mae mamfiynunigblentyn,acfelly,wnesiddimcaelfymagu gydachefndrydymMhrydain OndroeddGrandmaynuno7 agafoddeichwaerhi12oblant Aethomniiweldbrawd Grandma Cecilsyn89ahollolddalnawr erroeddowybod ynunionbleoeddllunfi,fynghwrafymabcyntaf Wrth wasguGrandmaynddyn,ddeudoddbodowedidechrau poeninafuasaibythweldhieto Roeddyboisyndeallyfraint mewncwrddâuHenHenEwythr! Nidjystfogawsomniweld, ondrhaiogefndrydfymamarhaiowyrionnhw Maennhw’n bywardirhyfryd yngefngwladsynteimlofelcomiwnbach

Doesdimbyd

moethusamybyngalossyddwediadeiladuyno,ondmaen nhwndarparupopethsyddangen Maercoed ackee yn darparubwydirteuluacychydigoincwmprydmaertymor iawniddynt Arôlcaelprydofwydblasusgydagochrhynor teulu aethomniifyny’rlontipynbachiStToolies llegafodd tadGrandmaeieniachladdu Hefyd wnaethomniymweldâ chwaer,dadGrandma,AuntieMary,syn99acynwaniawn nawr,onddalyngwenu Clywonnistraeonamdanihin gwneudgwalltGrandmacyniddifyndiysgolacamstopioyn dŷhiaryfforddadreigaelamheuthun Roeddyfenywyma ynbersonpwysigymmywydGrandma-ffrindarhywunoedd yndifethahigydamoethauacysbrydolihiynogystalâbod ynAntiiddihi

MaendebygfodhwnoeddytroolafiniweldCecilagAunt Maryynfwy ahefydellaytrodiwethafiGrandmafyndadre Onddwinbwriaducadwmewncysylltiadgydarteuluar aelodauifancsy’ntyfuifynyyno Dwinedrychymlaenatfynd ynôlyno,amyndi’rArchifCenedlaetholiymchwiliomwyam haneseinteulu

Pethrhyfeddywhi,ideimlofelfymodiadremewngwladrwyf wediymweldâgydagugainmlyneddofwlch Dwingwybod bodpawbynfannoyngweldfifelperson‘foreign ondeto roeddentwedicroesawunifelteulu Acerbodmodin teimlo’nGymraes dwihefydynteimlofymodi’nrhano’rtir o ’ r ynysJamaica

RoeddStacianynllawnhwylacyngyffrousigyflwynoei merch5oedini Roedhieihundimondyn3oedpan gwrddaisihiamytrocyntaf

PedairmisarôliniddodadreiGymru roeddhinewyddwedi bodynllwyddiannusmewncaisamswyddynybanc Cyflei wellabywydiddihia'imerchfach inddodadreroeddhi newyddwedibodynllwyddiannusmewncaisamswyddyny banc Cyfleiwellabywydiddihiaimerchfach Llainamisarôlhynny,glywonnibodStaciwedibodamginio gydaffrindiauacwedidatblygupoenauyneifolydiwrnod wedyn Felaethamserymlaen wnaethegniaphoenStacian gwaethygutaniDiane eifam penderfynumyndahii'rysbyty

DoesdoesdimGwasanaethIechyd acfelly yboblfwyaf cyfoethogsyncaelygofaliechydgorau Panddoeddeifam dimyngallugweldeidioddefidimmwygofynnoddirstaff pamdydynnhwddimynrhoilleddfupoeniddi Yrateboedd, doedddimargael Felly,aethDianedrosoddifferyllfainôl ffisegiddi CymroddStaciylleddfupoenachysgu Deffrodd hibytheto

Taroddynewyddionbodyrhogan iach harddymawedi marwfelmorthwylsled! Roeddhi'nllunperffaithoiechydjyst 5misyngnghynt Maeneironignawr,ondytrodiwethafimi eigweld,roeddhingwisgofestyndweud,"Gadewchimi gysgu "

Mewnpost-mortem,dywedwydwrthDianefodcalonStaci wedi'ichwyddoadatgeloddadroddiadtocsicolegmaihiyw'r

ffurfwaethafodwymyndengue Roeddennhwwedibodyn

trinhiamwenwynbwyd Ynfyr,bufarwodlodi

AdynarwersfwyafdwiwedicaeloddilyneingwreiddiauI

Jamaica-maeJamaicaynbaradwysirheinisyddgyda

digonoarian

Mymother'scousin,Barry(left)GrandmaKeturahand herbrotherCecilwhois89inmyin-lawshome Porus

I know that everyone there sees me as a 'foreign' person, yet has welcomed us as family.

TeuluNi

StacianVernon,23oed–merchfengafcefnithermam

Tony Borg

His mum’s friends recommended he try out boxing and he started training in his local gym aged just seven.

TonyBorgWales’bestboxingtrainer andcoach.Hehashadhuge successasa Welsh,British, Commonwealth,Europeanand multipleWorldchampion.

TonyhassupportmanyotherWorld titleboxers.

YoucanfindTonyandhisboxing superstarsatBorgBoxingStJosephs' Newport.

Photograph supplied by: Tony Borg

Written by: Mohammed Hersi Farah

Steve Robinson

Ely had the biggest council estate in Europe at the time, and it wasn't easy. I didn't have much, but growing up in Ely made me tough.

Witten by: Mohammed Hersi Farah

Stars are Born in Wales

Thisyearmarkedthe75thanniversaryofwhenover1,000peoplesteppedofftheHMT EmpireWindrushatTilburyDocksinEssexon22June1948,amongthefirstofthousandsof peoplefromCaribbeancountrieswhowereencouragedtomigrateandhelpfilllabor shortagesinthearmedforces,NHS,andotherindustries XcellenceMagazinesatdownwith Wales'formerboxingworldchampion,SteveRobinson,whosefatherwaspartofthe Windrushgeneration SteveRobinsondiscussedhowtheWindrushgenerationchangedthe countryandwhatmorecanbedonetoinspirefuturegenerations

Howdidyougetintoboxingasakid,andwhatwas thefeelinglikewhenyoufirststeppedintoaboxing gym?

Igotintoboxingbygoingtomylocalboxinggymin

Ely I’manElyboy,andmyolderbrothertookme downtotheboxinggymwhenIwasaroundnine yearsold Fromthatdayforward,Ineverlooked back IwasintoallsportswhenIwasinschool,butI washyperactive,sosportshelpedmefocus Thefirst timeIwalkedintotheboxinggymandsawthebags, theboxingring,andotherequipment,Iwaslike, Wow'

ThelocalboxinggymwasnamedElyStars,which wasrunbymyoldtrainer,RonnieRush Iloved trainingthereandcouldn’twaittogetstarted;that's whereIgotintoboxingandabsolutelylovedit Duringthattime,fighterslikeSugarRayLeonardand MuhammadAliweretheguysIlookedupto,andI wantedtobeasgoodastheywere WhatwasitlikegrowingupintheElyareaof Cardiffduringthe70sand80s?

GrowingupinElyduringthattimewasnteasy especiallyasIgrewupinasingle-parenthousehold becausemyparentsdivorcedwhenIwasaround fiveorsixyearsold ElyhadthebiggestcouncilestateinEuropeatthe time Itwasn'teasy Ididn'thavemuch,butIwas streetwiseasakid andgrowingupinElymademe tough"

HavingparentsfromtheWindrushgenerationwhat moralsandprinciplesdidtheyinstilinyouwhen youweregrowingup?

MyfathercamefromJamaicasomethingthatIam reallyproudof HecametotheUKshippingindustry GrowingupasIdidsufferfromracismfrompeople callingmenamesespeciallywhenIwasquite young Iwastaughttofightbackandnottakeanyrubbish soIdidgetintoalotofstreetfights Duringthattime racialslurswerekindofacceptable ButasIgrew up,myparentstaughtmetoberesilientandtryto riseaboveit

Witten by: Mohammed Hersi Farah

I am extremely proud that my father is Jamaican.

Stars are Born in Wales

Howdidyoufeelgoingfromworkingpart-timeat Debenhamstogettingacallforaworldtitleshot?

Truthfully Iwasquiteshocked eventhoughatthetimeIwas theWelsh&WBAIntercontinentalchampion Thecalltofight fortheworldtitlecamequickerthanIthoughtitwouldfrom myoldtrainer,RonnieRush,justtwodaysbeforethefight Hesaid There'sabigfightforyou;willyoubeready?'The problemwasthatIhadtoloseeightorninepoundsbefore thefight butIwasnaturallyfitbecauseIwasalwaysinthe gymtraining So,withinthosetwodays,Imadeweightand acceptedthefight

WhatwasthefeelinglikewhenyoubecameWorldChampion?

Winningtheworldtitlewasthebestfeelingintheworld Whentherefereeraisedmyhandtodeclaremethewinner Icouldn'tbelieveitbecauseitwasaclosesplitdecision

ThereweretimesinmypreviousfightswhenIwonbutwas robbedasIfoughtinEnglandandabroad So,whenmy handswentup andIrealizedIhadwonthetitle Icouldnt believeit IhadtopinchmyselfthatIhadbecometheworld featherweightchampion Itwasagreatfeeling

Inanearlyinterviewyougave,youmentionedthatraceheld youbackfromopportunitiesyourtalentdeserved Canyou elaboratemoreonthat?

Ireallydon'tknowwhythatis,especiallyconsideringthewayI becameaworldchampion IbelieveIdidn'treceivethe recognitionIdeserved WhenIwontheworldtitle thepress claimeditwasaflukeandpredictedIwouldloseitinmynext fight Theywereobviouslywrong,asIprovedbydefeating formerworldchampionsfromEnglandlikePaulHodkinson, DukeMcKenzie,athree-timeworldchampion,andColin McMillan TheywereallgreatfighterswhomIbeat,proving thepressanddoubterswrong

IbelievethatifIwerefromEngland,Iwouldhavehada higherprofileandmorerecognition BeingfromWalesand beingBlack,Ifeellikeitheldmeback Iwasatruepeople's championknownasaskilledfighter,andIhadasuccessful runoftitledefenses,demonstratingthatwinningtheworld titlewasntafluke

Doyoubelieveit'simportantforpeoplewhoseparentsare fromtheWindrushgenerationtohaveaconnectionwiththe landoftheirparents?

Yes definitelyasIamextremelyproudthatmyfatheris Jamacia,myfatheris91yearsoldandquitethecharacter HisnameisStanfordRobinson butpeoplecallhimSarge forshort Myfatherwasntpartofmylifeintheearlierdays, buthewouldalwayspopbytoseehowIwasdoing My parentsdivorcedwhenIwasyoung,butmydadwas alwayscheckinguponme Healsoattendedmostofmy fights IamproudthatmydadwaspartoftheWindrush generationandworkedhardtomakealifeforhimself here TheCaribbeangenesmakehimstrongattheageof 91,heisstillfitanddoeshisstretcheseveryday

Sports Interview

Witten by: Mohammed Hersi Farah

I had to pinch myself that I had become the world featherweight champion. It was a great feeling.

Stars are Born in Wales Sports Interview

Whatdidyouthinkaboutthegovernment'sWindrush scandal,andwhydoyouthinkithappened?

Ireallydon’tknowwhythatscandalhappened butit wasabsolutelydisgustingthatitoccurred Theway theytreatedpeoplefromCaribbeancountrieswas shocking,especiallywhentheytriedtosendthem back

MyfatherwantedtogobacktoJamaicaforavisit duringthattime,buthecouldntgetapassport,which wasverywrong asheandotherswhoexperiencedthis hadtheirfreedomtakenawaybynotbeingableto obtainaUKpassport MyfathercameovertotheUK workedhardallhislife,andthenappliedtogobackto Jamaica butitwasdeniedbecausetherewasno recordofhim Intheend,Ithinkmydadwas compensated butmoneywasnottheanswer

Thisyearmarkedthe75thcelebrationofwhentheHMT EmpireWindrushdockedatTilburyDocksinEssexon22 June1948,carryingamongthefirstofthousands encouragedtomigrateandhelpfilllaborshortagesin thearmedforces,industry,andtheNHS Howdoyou thinkyourparents generationchangedthecountry?

Yes,Idothinktheychangedthecountrybecausemore peoplenowhaverespectformyfathersgeneration PeoplehavecometorealizethattheWindrush generationcameoverandworkedextremelyhard, fillingjobsthathadmajorshortages However,getting therespectandrecognitionfortheircontributions wasn'talwaysthereforthatgeneration Ibelievethe legacyofhardworkhasrubbedoffonme;Ihave alwaysworkedhardineverythingIdo

However,Idofeelthattoday'sgenerationlacksfocus Theyneedtodigdeepandfindtheworkethicthatthey comefrom Isympathizewiththem,though,asthere aremanydistractionsinthenewworldoftechnology andinfluencers Iftheyreadhistoryoriftherewere moreheroesonpublicdisplayandtaughtinschools, theywouldhavemorerolemodelswhorepresentthem andhaveachievedexcellence,especiallyfromthe Windrushgeneration

Whatareyourplansforthefuture?

Iamcurrentlyintheprocessofopeninganewgym,locatedjustoffLewisRoadin Splott IhavebeensearchingforaunitforyearsandfinallyfoundonethatIthinkis suitable Luckily,thelandlordisanoldfriendofDaiGarner,whoknewRonnieRush ThelandlordtoldmehewasabigboxingfanandsaidifIwantedthespace,togo forit Theunitisanicesize,suitableforuseasafullykitted-outgymequippedwith aboxingring,soIamexcitedaboutgettingitupandrunning Ihopetolaunchat theendofSeptemberandtrainthenextWelshWorldchamp

I am excited to launch my new gym and hopefully train the next Welsh World champ!

Codebreakers statue finally unveiled in Cardiff Bay

Afteralongcampaign,agiantstatuewasunveiledofthreeWelshrugbyheroes:Billy Boston,CliveSullivan,andGusRisman Thesethreewereknownasthecodebreakers Boston,Sullivan,andRismanleftCardifftomaketheirnamesasprofessionalrugby playersinthenorthofEnglandatatimewhenBlackplayerswereostracizedbythe amateurunioncodeinWales XcellenceMagazinewasthereattheunveilingofthe statueatCardiffBaytowitnessthereactionsofthecrowdandwhatitmeanstothe friendsandfamilywhowitnessedthestatues'unveiling

By Mohammed H Farah

ThestatuecreatedbyYorkshiresculptorSteveWinterburnstandsonaprominentpartofCardiffBaynearSt DavidsHotel

Morethan150peoplegatheredtowitnessthe unveilingofthestatueofthecodebreakers, includingfamily,friends,membersofthepublic, andfamousWelshsportsstarsinCardiffBay Foryears,thesemendidntreceivethe recognitiontheirtalentsandaccolades deservedintheirhometown Afteralong campaignbyresidentsofButetown,astatue wasunveiledinCardiffBay BillyBoston,who scored478triesin487matchesforWiganafter makingtherugbyswitchfromuniontoleaguein 1953,describedtheunveilingofthestatueas oneofthe'highlightsofmylife BillyBoston neverhadtheopportunitytorepresentCardiffor Walesinrugbyunion,somethingthat,evenafter alltheseyears,therugbylegendstillspeaks aboutwithregret Blackplayersdidntrepresent Walesinrugbyunionuntilthe1980s

AstatueofBillyBostonMBEwasunveiledafew yearsagoinWigancitycenter,butforsome reason,therewasnostatueinhishometownof Cardiff BillyBoston,bornin1934,grewupon AngelinaStreetinTigerBayandplayedrugby forCardiffSchools,BoysClubsofWales,Wales Youth,theCIACS,andNeathinrugbyunion beforesigningforWiganrugbyleaguein1953

Mr Bostonattendedtheunveilingandwatched asthethirdstatueofhimselfwasrevealed At theevent,hesaid:'CardiffandWaleshave alwaysheldaspecialplaceinmyheart Wigan adoptedmeandbecamemyhomeawayfrom home

Tohaveastatueofmyselfandmagnificentmen suchasGusRismanandCliveSullivanissimply unbelievable Ifeelhonouredtobesingledoutfor thisremarkabletributebythepeopleofCardiff “Let’sfaceittherearen’tmanyleftwhohaveever seenmeplayforWiganorGreatBritain Forusto berememberedinthiswayistrulywonderful Thethreeplayersfeaturedonthestatuegrewupin thehistoricTigerBayareaandwentontobecome someofthecountry'sgreatestsportingheroes Due notgettingabreakinWalesallthreedecidedtogo upnorthtostarttheirprofessionalrugbycareerin theleaguecode

PRESSRELEASE-BILLY:THEPOWERFUL LIFEOFBILLYBOSTON

llyfraubroga@gmail.comwww.broga.cymru

Cardiff-basedpublisherLlyfrauBrogaBookshave announcedthatthe10theditionoftheirhitchildren’sbook series‘WelshWonders’willcelebratethelifeand achievementsofrugbyleaguelegendBillyBostonMBE.It iswrittenbypopularchildrensauthorJessicaDunrodand illustratedbytalentedformerDisneyartist,SelomSunu.

BILLY:ThePowerfulLifeofBillyBostonandBILLY:Bywyd PwerusBillyBostonwilllaunchonSt.David'sDay,2024.

Pressreleaseby:JessicaDunrod

CliveSullivan,whoscored250triesforHulland another118forHullKingstonRovers becamethe firstblackplayertocaptainanyGreatBritain sideandledhiscountrytothe1972Rugby LeagueWorldCupglory RosalynSullivan,the wifeofthelateSullivan,whoattendedthe unveilingofthestatue,said: I'mextremelyproud, andI'msohappyforClivethathe'sbeen honoredinthiswayinhishometown It'ssadas well,seeinghimhereandhimnotbeingableto seehowmuchhesadmired;it'ssuchan overwhelmingtime He'dhavebeenoverthe moon '"

"Establishedin2020,the OneTeam OneRace: HonouringtheCardiffBayRugbyCodebreakers' projectbehindthestatuewasinspiredtobegin fundraisingforastatuefollowingcallsfrom ButetownresidentsandthewiderCardiffBay communityforafittingtributetotheplayerswho didsomuchtoimproveracerelationsacross Britain

Onememberofthepublicwhodidn’twanttogive hisnamestated,'Ididn’tbelieveastatuewouldbe doneofthesemenbutwashappythatthese playershavefinallybeengivenrecognitionintheir hometownafteralltheseyears Healsostatedthat theWelshRugbyUnionhasalottoanswerfor regardinghowthesemenweretreatedintheir hometown

Thestatue,createdbyYorkshiresculptorSteve Winterburn standsonaprominentpartofCardiff BaynearSt David’sHotel

SISILIA TU’IPULOTU

Overtheyears,manywomenhavehadtofighttheircause overalongperiodoftime,togaintheirdeserved recognition

SisiliaTu’ipulotudoesnotfallintothiscategory–andit’s onlythebeginningofherstory

AlthoughTuipulotucomesfromafamilywithheralded rugbyheritage 19yearoldSisiliadidnotpickuparugby balluntilshewas16yearsold,whichmakesher12capand fourtryhaulsofarontheinternationalstage–evenmore remarkable

“Myfather(Sione)won29capsforTongaandowingtohis schooling mybrotherKepuhasrecentlyrepresented Englandschools Carwyn,mycousin,playsfortheScarlets andTaulupe,anothercousinofmine,hasrepresented Wales100times LikemanyfamiliesofTongandescent I havemanyrelativesandtheVunipolabrothers,whoare householdnamesinEnglishrugby,arealsocloselyrelated tome

“Myfamilydidn’twantmetoplayrugbyinitiallyandI actuallyplayednetballforWalesatU16level However, there’snodenyingthatrugbyisinmyblood–andassoon asIdplayedinmyfirstgameforHerefordCollege–Iwas hooked

uipulotustartedoffasanumber8forHerefordbutwas soonmovedtothesecondrowassoonasshe’dsignedfor GloucesterHartpury–whichearnedheraninternational call-upandherdebutcapinDublinduringthe2022Six Nations

OntheSummerTourtoCanada,HeadCoachIoan Cunninghamdecidedtoconverthertoapropandit’s certainlyprovedtobeaninspireddecisionsofar as Tu’ipuloturampagedherwaytofourtriesinthisseason’s TikTokSixNationsandsecuredherplaceintheTeamofthe Tournamentintheprocess

“PeoplesaythatImquietoffthefield,butIlovethephysical aspectofthegame IreallyfindthatI’vefoundmybest positionattighthead Iamnaturallystrongbutamworking onmytechniqueonadailybasistobecomethebest playerthatIcanbe”

Tu’ipulotuhasbenefittedfrombecomingarecipientofa full-timecontractfromtheWelshRugbyUnionandis certainlyenjoyinglife

HadyoutoldmelessthanthreeyearsagothatIdnotonly beplayingforWalesbutalsoearningmylivingfromthe game–Iwouldn’thavebelievedyou Ifeelveryprivileged tobeinthispositionandwanttodoeverythingthatIcanto fulfilmypotential”

“Ifwewanttocompetewiththebest–weneedtoplaythebestteamsonaregularbasis andlearnfromthem Wehaveimprovedalotsince25ofushavebecomefull-time professionalswiththeWRU It’snowuptoustoimprovefurtherandtodoourbestforour country”

SisiliaTu’ipulotuiscertainlyarisingstarinWorldRugby SheembracesherTonganand Welshheritageinequalmeasuresandbashfullyacceptsthatsheisquicklybecominga rolemodelforyounggirlsandwomenfromallwalksoflifeinWales

AlthoughTuipulotushugelypromisingcareerisinitsearlydays,sheisalreadythinkingof herfuturebeyondrugbyandishopingtocontinueherForensicPsychologystudiesatthe UniversityofGloucestershire

“Ilovetheopportunitiesthatrugbyisgivingme,butIalsoneedtothinkofwhatI’dliketo doaftermycareercomestoanend

“It’s great that young girls are now taking an interest in rugby and I’d encourage each and every one of them to follow their dreams. Give it everything that you have and make sure that you enjoy the journey – I certainly am!”

Thisis6-year-oldLovelle HeisarugbyplayerandaBIGfanof Wales.Justlookatthepassioninhiseyeforhisbelovedteam!

Hisgreat-grandfather,alsoknownasGrancha,inspiredhis fatherDalstonand businesspartnertoopenaCaribbeanstylerestaurantandtakeaway BasedinNewport,youcan expecttosavorallthebeautifulrecipesbestknownin JamaicanandAntiguanculture

Thisisatruelegacyandhonortobothofthefounders heritage

Grancha’sisavailableonUberEats,soyoutoocanexperience Grancha’sdisheswhereveryouare!

LOVE WALES!

PhotosuppliedbyDalstonHerbert

"Out of Many, One People"

VisitGrancha’sUpper DockStreetNewport

Phillip Henry

PhillipHenryisWales’firstJamaican RastafarianBeekeeper.Rastafarians believeinlivity:LivityisaRastafarian conceptthatencompassesaholistic approachtolife.Itemphasizeslivingin harmonywithnature,maintaininga healthylifestyle,andpracticing mindfulnessandmeditation

Health & Wellbeing

Transform your community with a free garden package from Keep Wales Tidy

Areyoulookingtotransformanunlovedareaintoabeautifulgardenwherenaturecanthrive?Doyouwantto createacommunityhuborhelppeopletogrowtheirownfruitandvegetables?

EnvironmentalcharityKeepWalesTidyhavehundredsoffreegardenpackagestogiveawaytocommunity groupsandorganisations

SincelaunchingtheirLocalPlacesforNatureschemein2020,morethan1,000gardenshavebeencreated, restoredandenhancedacrossWales Applicationshavenowreopened,andcommunitiesarebeingurgedto applynowtoavoidmissingout

What’s in a Local Places for Nature package?

Thefreepackagesrangefromsmallgardeningprojectstocommunityorchardsandlarge-scalefood growingandwildlifegardens Eachoneincludesnativeplants,toolsandmaterials,guidanceonhowtoinstall thegarden,andpracticalsupportfromKeepWalesTidy

Who can apply?

Groupsandorganisationsofallshapesandsizescanapplyfor LocalPlacesforNature Mostrecentlythishasincludedemergency services,youthgroups,sportsclubsanddisabilitycharities

Prioritywillbegiventoprojectswithstrongcommunity involvement,aswellasthoseintowns,cities,deprivedareasand spaceswithlittleornoaccesstonature KeepWalesTidyarealso reallykeentowelcomeapplicationsfromunderrepresented groups

RailwayGardensinSplott,CardiffbenefitedfromaLocalPlacesfor Naturepackagelastyear HannahGarciafromRailwayGardens said:

“WefeelprivilegedtohavereceivedthissupportfromKeepWales Tidy Ithashelpedustransformourspaceandwearealready seeingthebenefits,withbees,butterfliesandmothsvisiting,and vegetablesbeingharvestedandcookedonsite!

“Butit’salsobeenamassiveboosttoourconfidence;thethought ofdoingthingslikebuildinggreenhousesorcreatingameadow feltoverwhelming,butthekind,thoughtful,generousandskilled supportfromtheKeepWalesTidyteamhashelpusdevelopour skillsinsomanynewways”

It’s also been a massive boost to our confidence

Health & Wellbeing

1 HeadtotheKeepWalesTidywebsitewwwkeepwalestidycymru/nature

2 Chooseyourpackage Thisyearthereare threecategoriestochoosefrom,dependingon thespaceyouhaveandthesizeofthegarden you’dliketocreate:

>StarterPackagesforgroupslookingtotake onasmallgardeningproject

>DevelopmentPackagesforcommunitybasedorganisationswhoarereadyfora biggertransformation

>CommunityOrchardsforanyonelookingto createacommunityhubfilledwithfruittrees, bulbsandhabitatboxes.

3 Readthroughtheguidance

4 Completetheonlineapplicationform makingsureyouanswerallthequestions

“LocalPlacesforNaturewasfirstandforemostdevelopedtohelpfighttheclimateandnatureemergencies Butthe benefitshavegonefarbeyondcreatingvitalhabitatsforwildlife;thenewgardenshavehelpedbringcommunities togetherandprovidedamuch-neededboosttopeople’shealthandwellbeing

“Wecan’twaittoseemoregroupsandorganisationsgettinginvolvedoverthecomingmonths,creatingnewspaces fornaturethatwillbeenjoyedforgenerations We’reexpectingalotofinterest,soapplynowtoavoid disappointment”

Formoreinformation,visittheKeepWalesTidywebsitewwwkeepwalestidycymru/nature

TheinitiativeisfundedbytheWelshGovernment,partofawiderWelshGovernment‘LocalPlacesforNature’ programmecommittedtocreating,restoringandenhancingnature‘onyourdoorstep’

If you need support with your application, Keep Wales Tidy’s Nature Team are on hand to support you through the process.

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, said:

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The Independent Community News Network (ICNN) is run and administrated by the Centre for Community Journalism which is part of Cardiff University’s Transforming Communities flagship engagement project Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Culture Studies, Cardiff University, Bute Building, King Edward VII Avenue , Cardiff , CF10 3NB, 02920688750

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Thismagazine,has3primaryintentions

Wehopeyouhaveenjoyedreadingit,asmuchasweenjoyedputtingittogether!

The Independent Community News Network (ICNN) is run and administrated by the Centre for Community Journalism which is part of Cardiff University’s Transforming Communities flagship engagement project Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Culture Studies, Cardiff University, Bute Building, King Edward VII Avenue , Cardiff , CF10 3NB, 02920688750