Black History in Butetown

Local talent and achievements.

Most of these people lived their lives on the local stage but sometimes the talents and achievements of the 'Bay People' have received national and international acclaim. Everyone knows of Shirley Bassey, "The girl from Tiger Bay" but there are other professional performers who can trace their family roots back to Cardiff's black communities. These include: Patti Flynn International cabaret artiste, Rohema Ali Jazz singer, Sy Scott singer/comedian, Jacky Webbe singer/recording artist, Humie Webbe, jazz/gospel singer, Millie Grant-Utter blues singer and Victor Parker the well known guitarist. This tradition is set to continue with the Butetown Schools Choir and the Butetown Community Choir which both reflect the passionate approach to music of all types and the work of young talent such as the professional musicians Anthony Ward and Aarron Ahmun.

There are also sporting successes to be told. Billy Boston, the boy from Tiger Bay carved out his career in the world of Rugby League. Over 17 years he scored 571 tries – more than any other British player. Glenn Webbe, too gained a significant sporting achivement by becoming Wales's first black rugby union player. In boxing, Butetown has tales of achivement with Joe Erskine who fought Henry Cooper on a number of occasions, Darky Hughes, Amateur ABA Welsh/British Light Welterweight Champion who turned professional and Gerald Ernest who also was Amateur Welsh Welterweight Champion.

In public life the achivements of Butetown residents have made their mark. Betty Campbell OBE has lived all her life in Butetown and takes the honour of being the first black Headmistress in Wales in her stride while she goes about her council duties and her vast array of community work. Also Olwen Watkins one of the first black teachers in Cardiff who has devoted her life to insuring that Butetown youth make the most of all opportunities that come their way. Also Harry Ernest who has been the only black deputy mayor of Cardiff.

Victor Parker

Joe Erskine

Billy Boston