Black History Wales – Icons Of Black Wales

The Black History Wales wide network acknowledge and celebrate 100 significant African/African Caribbean’s, as our Icons of Black Wales.

The 11th Year Anniversary of Black History Month celebrations in Wales – Our 2018 Wales-wide theme is: ICONS OF BLACK WALES

Race Council Cymru manages the Black History Wales wide (BHW) and Black History Cymru 365 portfolio in Wales and acknowledges the contributions made by Black people to local, national and world history and culture. It does this through delivering an informative educational and celebratory programme of events through the year, culminating in an end of year celebration of Black History Month in October annually. It encourages everyone, irrespective of ethnicity or colour, to take part in events, learn about our shared global history and celebrate diversity and cultural understanding.

Cardiff – the capital of Wales – was one Britain’s first multi-cultural cities, where numerous nationalities have lived side-by-side for decades.

BHM Wales is hosted by Race Council Cymru (RCC), which is the overarching umbrella body in Wales established by ethnic minority community who work to combat racial prejudice, race discrimination, harassment, abuse and violence. RCC promotes art, heritage and cultural activities for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities across Wales. Black History Month Wales is a network that engages, educates and empowers individuals, community groups and Wales-wide communities in acknowledging and recognising the contributions that the African Diaspora has made in the history of Wales’ economic and cultural development. It also allows the wider community to take part, learn and celebrate together to promote understanding and share our global history.

The ultimate goal is to see meaningful activities happening all year round, 365 – hence our Black History 5-year strategy BHCumru365 for all the days of the year and not just in October. Black History is Welsh history and should be studied, celebrated and showcased as part the national curriculum, additional educational activities, artistic programmes, College and University Studies and Museum and Gallery exhibits.

This year marks the 11th Year Anniversary of Black History Month celebrations across Wales and we are delighted to announce that the theme for Black History Month 2018 is ‘Icons of Black Wales’

These icons may be Welsh or have touched Wales in some way.

Over the past few months, we have been asking our grassroots communities to nominate significant individuals whose work and contributions have been impactive for recognition and acknowledgment across Wales to mark the theme.

Icons of Black Wales and we have been overwhelmed by the brilliant contributions people of African descent and diaspora have been making here in Wales, both those on the list and many who’s names are not featured on the list.

Upcoming Black History Month Events Around Wales:

Working with Walesonline, the nominations have been narrowed down to a 100 significant African/African Caribbean’s. The list will be published online on the 28th of September 2018 11.30am – 4.30pm to align with the launch of Black History Month with a Black History Youth Awards in Wales hosted by Professor Mark Drakeford AM with special guest Lord Herman Ouseley at the Pierhead Building Cardiff Ba, Performance by Kizzy Crawford & Ify Iwobi – Free Event and all welcome to attend.

The Creative Arts Launch will take place the following day on Saturday the 29th of September from 11.30am-4.30pm at St Fagans National Museum of History. This event will include the unveiling of parliamentary portraits, music performances and much more. It will be launched by Vaughan Gething AM and Joyce Watson AM; with performances by Kizzy Crawford and Band, Wahda Placide Duo flex, Melissa Dunkley, SOEL Connect Gospel Choir etc, Acapella Choir from Atlantic College – Free Event and all welcome to attend.

The Bangor Launch will take place on Saturday the 29th of September from 12 Midday-4.00pm at Bangor Town Clock and then parade onto Bangor Town Hall. This event will include music, drumming and poetry – Free Event and all welcome to attend.

On Sunday the 30th of September from 2.00pm-6.00pm there will be the launch in Wrexham at Ty Pawb on Market Street.  There will be African dances, hip-hop music and more – Free Event and all welcome to attend.

On Monday the 1st of October 9.30am – 4.30pm, the Police and Crime Commissioner In Dyfed Powys Dafydd Llywelyn will partner with Race Council Cymru, Aber Fund and Aberystwyth University Students Union at Student Union Main Hall, Aberystwyth University, with Jazzy Africana, Bongo Clive, Wahda etc. – Free Event and all welcome to attend.

There is a Windrush themed event on Saturday the 6th of October from 9pm-10.45pm at Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay and in Wrexham, there shall be a Workshop: Tribute to Cesa.