Powerful Exhibition to Rise Wales at Bangor
Since April 2024, Race Council Cymru's powerful exhibition, (Rise Wales), has resided in the Main Arts Building of Bangor University. The exhibition comprises of the stories of 27 activists who have been working, and continue to work, for an anti-racist Wales. The exhibition is part of the Welsh Government's aim of making Wales an anti-racist country by 2030. Dr Marian Gwyn, Head of Heritage and Deputy Regional Co-ordinator for North Wales at Race Council Cymru, discusses more below.
In 2020, George Floyd's killing by police officer Derek Chauvin sparked global outrage, prompting protests worldwide, including over 35 in Wales. Prof Uzo Iwobi , CEO established the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Wales Policy Forum to address racial injustice and to enable the Black Lives Matter activists to participate in the development of Welsh Government's Anti-racism Wales action Plan .
Incidents of racism persisted, leading to activism and demands for accountability. Minister Dawn Bowden funded the collection and documenting the activists' stories across Wales. BLM represents unity against racism's harmful effects. The stories highlight the ongoing struggle for racial equity and justice. The call for an inclusive, respectful Wales resonates through these narratives, urging everyone to stand against racism. The BLM | Codi Cymru Exhibition, launched on March 21, 2024, at St Fagan鈥檚 Museum, marked a historic moment with an array of notable figures in attendance. Among them were former First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, who launched the exhibition, along with distinguished guests including Deputy Lt West Glamorgan, Mr Philip Hunkin; High Commissioner of Antigua, HE Karen Mae Hill, Nashima Begum from the Welsh Government, Chairperson of the Heritage and Cultural exchange; Gaynor Legall, Joyce Watson MS; Senedd Parliamentary Equality Commissioner , Welsh Government Minister; Julie Morgan MS, Cllr Julie Sangani, Professor Olivette Otele; a Distinguish Research Professor of Legacies and Memory of Slavery, Chair of Race Council Cymru; Judge Ray Singh, Vice Chair of Race Council Cymru; Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna, Dr Marian Gwyn; Head of Heritage, Dr. Andrew Williams of Cardiff University, Jane Richardson; Chief Executive of National Museum of Wales and Jacob Henry, Co-Founder of Vibe Youth CIC, among other influential personalities in Wales. The event served as a platform for historic encounters, where protest leaders convened, some meeting for the first time, reaffirming their steadfast commitment to Antiracism and the goal of eradicating racism in Wales by 2030. The launch at St Fagan's drew an audience of approximately 4,000 attendees and over the two weeks of the exhibition, over 49,996 footfalls were registered.
Following the launch, the exhibition embarked on a tour across Wales, hosted by various organizations. It was showcased at Bangor University from April 15th to May 11th, Aberystwyth University from April 22th to the end of May, and South Wales Police headquarters in Bridgend from April 19th to April 24th. Additionally, it was displayed at two schools, Ysgol Harri Tudur and Greenhill School, from April 25 to April 30. The exhibition has currently resonated with large numbers of participants, offering them valuable insights and perspectives on the importance of anti-racism and the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Following its deinstallation at Bangor University, the exhibition will now be displayed at the Royal College of Music and Drama. Feedback from participating organizations underscores the meaningful dialogue sparked by the exhibition, effectively conveying powerful messages on Anti-racism and the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement. The exhibition is slated to continue its tour throughout Wales and welcomes participation from a wide range of organizations willing to host and promote the imperative message of why Black lives matter and the importance of realizing Wales as an Anti-Racist country by 2030.
