Cardiff’s story is inseparable from the sea. From the 19th century, Somali, Yemeni, African, and Caribbean seafarers settled in Tiger Bay, creating one of Britain’s first multicultural dockside communities. They loaded coal, powered ships, and sustained the industries that made Wales central to the global economy. But this prosperity came with hardship. Black workers were often excluded from skilled roles and housing, and Cardiff witnessed race riots in 1911 and 1919. Still, solidarity emerged: Black dockworkers stood with Welsh miners and steelworkers in strikes for fair pay and safety.

Out of this adversity came pioneers. Betty Campbell, born and raised in Butetown, became Wales’ first Black headteacher in 1973. She revolutionised education by embedding multicultural history and civil rights into the curriculum, teaching children about slavery, apartheid, and Black resilience. Her influence reached far beyond her classroom: Campbell helped establish Black History Month in Wales, and her statue, unveiled in 2021, was the first of any named Black person in an outdoor public space in Wales.

Today, Cardiff is reshaping itself as a hub of culture, finance, and technology. Black entrepreneurs and professionals are at the forefront of this regeneration. Academics like Dr Jason Nurse, who has advised the UK Cabinet Office and National Cyber Security Centre, connect Cardiff to global debates on cyber-security and digital trust. The legacy of Tiger Bay endures in these new industries, demonstrating that Black communities are not just workers of the past but innovators of the future.

Cardiff’s journey is one of migration, struggle, and renewal. From the docks to the digital age, Black communities have helped build futures rooted in resilience, equality, and pride.