October is Black History Month in the UK, and at Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, we proudly celebrate this important occasion.
Black History Month, which began in the US in the 1920s and was first observed in the UK in 1987, is also recognised in countries like Canada, Germany, and Ireland.
What is Black History Month?
In the UK, Black History Month is held every October and provides an opportunity for everyone to celebrate, learn about, and appreciate the influence of Black heritage and culture.
At Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, we are showcasing many inspirational Black individuals with ties to our area, highlighting their significant contributions and the lasting impact they’ve made. For centuries, people of African and Caribbean descent have shaped British history, though their efforts have often been overlooked or misrepresented.
Recent years have brought greater attention to key events such as the Windrush generation and movements like Black Lives Matter, especially following the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020.
Spotlight on Sherrie Woolf: A Trailblazer in Finance & HR
In honour of Black History Month, we are delighted to feature Sherrie Woolf, the Finance and HR Director at Airflo Fishing. Sherrie's remarkable path from a modern apprenticeship in Wales to a distinguished international career in accounting and HR highlights her commitment and expertise.
Originally from Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, Sherrie started her career with a modern apprenticeship that paved the way for international roles in London, New York, and Amsterdam. She initially worked in the tech industry and startups before returning to Wales to launch her own accounting firm. Her links to Tredegar remain strong to this day, with her family living there.
Sherrie's path to Airflo Fishing began as a consultant for new accounting software implementation. Her extraordinary dedication and passion led her to join the company permanently. Almost four years later, she remains an integral part of the team, attracted by Airflo’s focus on people and its commitment to promoting fly fishing.
In addition to her work at Airflo Fishing, Sherrie is actively engaged in non-executive director roles and consulting. She serves as the Deputy Chair for the Governance and Audit Committee for CCR[KJ1] (Cardiff capital region) and as the Chair of the Mid Wales Sport Partnership. Sherrie’s story highlights innovation, dedication, and a wealth of global experience, making her an outstanding individual to honour during Black History Month.
Sherrie, also a dynamic force in the biking community, set a new world record for the largest all-female biker meet, bringing together 1,132 women riders at Lynn’s Raven Café in Whitchurch on 16th July 2017. The event was not only a celebration of female empowerment and community but also a fundraiser that raised £5,131 for blood bike and air ambulance charities.
Sherrie Woolf's achievement is an inspiring example of leadership, organisation, and dedication, showcasing the power of unity and passion in making history.
Sherrie mentioned: "With a friend in London, Nimi Patel, I organise World Record events for female bikers to highlight the number of women riders and encourage better safety gear. We also fundraise for charity. Our first event in 2015 at Ave Cafe in London raised over £3k for Hospice of the Valleys. Since then, we've raised around £20k for charities like Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes. Our latest record was set in 2022 with 1,549 female bikers in a 5-hour window."
Sherrie’s story is a testament to the remarkable achievements one can attain through perseverance, innovation, and a deep sense of community. As a proud woman of colour from Blaenau Gwent, she serves as an inspirational figure for many, demonstrating that with determination and passion, barriers can be broken, and new heights can be reached. Her journey from a modern apprenticeship to an influential role at Airflo Fishing, coupled with her significant contributions to the biking community, exemplifies the power of dedication and the impact one individual can have on the world. Sherrie continues to be a beacon of hope and a role model, not just for the people of Blaenau Gwent, but for anyone who aspires to make a difference.
Spotlight on Paul Robeson - Voice of Justice, Beacon of Unity
In August 1958, American bass-baritone concert artist, actor, professional football player, and activist, Paul Robeson and his wife Eslanda were invited as special guests to the National Eisteddfod held in Ebbw Vale.
In the Eisteddfod he was presented with a Welsh hymn book to mark his visit, and he spoke of the importance of his Welsh links:
"You have shaped my life - I have learned from you."
When the early days of World War II started to loom over London, Ealing Studios embarked on an ambitious film project. This movie, filmed partly in the coal mining area of South Wales, told the story of a black miner from West Virginia who ended up in Wales via England in his search for employment.
The film captured the difficult lives of Welsh coal miners while providing a role that its star, renowned baritone, actor, and activist Paul Robeson, felt proud to portray. He mentioned to a Scottish newspaper that it was a chance to show "the man as he really is—not the caricature he is always represented to be on the screen."
Even by contemporary standards, the film was considered politically radical, addressing the challenging issue of coal pit closures. This subject continued to resonate in British coalfields over the years, making the film significant to generations of mineworkers who faced similar closure programmes in subsequent decades.
It was notably sympathetic towards the plight of the miners, and the crucial role that the coal industry played in mobilising the populace for the coming war, which broke out as the film was reaching its final weeks of shooting. The producers even re-worked the ending to reflect this.
It also dealt bluntly with racism – At one point in the movie a group of workers complain about David’s (Robeson’ character) position in the mine and in the choir. “This fellow brought a black man to work down the pit…” “Well?!?” booms a voice from off-camera. “What about it?” In a close-up you see Robeson hang his head and stoop his shoulders, showing his emotional pain at the slight. But in the singing there’s a complete solidarity amongst the men which echoes the theme of the movie.
By assuming this position, he honoured the potential he had shown in his initial years as an actor on London's West End, notably when he played a leading role in Show Boat at the Drury Lane Theatre in 1928. It was there that he encountered a group of unemployed miners who had journeyed to London to highlight the hardship and suffering faced by thousands of miners and their families in South Wales. Attracted by their singing, he formed a lasting friendship with these Welsh miners that spanned decades. Over the next ten years, he donated money to the Talygarn Miners' Rest Home and frequently visited, performing in towns such as Cardiff, Neath, and Swansea. Notably, in Caernarvon, he made an appearance the day after 266 miners tragically lost their lives in the nearby Gresford disaster.
In 1938, he performed at the Welsh International Brigades Memorial in Mountain Ash to honour the 33 Welshmen who had died in the Spanish Civil War, expressing to the audience, “I am here because I know that these fellows fought not only for me but for the whole world. I feel it is my duty to be here.”
Robeson's connection with Wales remained strong throughout his life, symbolising a deep mutual respect and cultural exchange. His visits, performances, and activism left an indelible mark on the Welsh mining communities, and he often spoke of the kinship he felt with the Welsh people. Paul Robeson not only entertained but also inspired, using his platform to advocate for social justice and human dignity. His legacy in Wales is a testament to the power of solidarity and the enduring bonds forged through shared struggles and aspirations.
Spotlight on Roy Francis: Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies.
Roy Francis, celebrated as one of the greatest head coaches in Wales Rugby League history, was honoured last year during our commemorations. To further commemorate his contributions during Black History Month, we erected a memorial in Market Square, Brynmawr, and encourage everyone to visit and learn about his illustrious legacy.
Born in 1919 and raised in Brynmawr, Roy began his rugby league career at age 17 when he signed with Wigan. He earned five caps for Wales between 1946 and 1948, but that is only part of his impressive story. Throughout his club career, which included stints with Barrow, Warrington, Hull FC, and Dewsbury, he scored 225 tries in 346 games. Despite his exceptional performance, he secured just one Great Britain cap, where he notably scored two tries against New Zealand at Odsal. It is believed that racial discrimination, influenced by the "White Australia" policy at the time, prevented him from joining the Lions tour.
As the first black professional head coach in Great Britain, Roy's innovative coaching methods and leadership were revolutionary, akin to Carwyn James' standing in rugby union. Renowned for his man-management skills, introduction of gymnasium training, video analysis, and psychological techniques—rare practices for that era—he was ahead of his time. Additionally, he pioneered the inclusion of player families, providing them with transportation to games.
By honouring Roy, Blaenau Gwent not only honours a local hero but also reinforces the importance of diversity, inclusion, and perseverance. His legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that true greatness is achieved not only through skill and innovation but also through the courage to challenge the status quo and advocate for a better, more inclusive world.