9/5/2023

A giant mural of Wales's first black headteacher has been officially unveiled today, Tuesday May 9.

The ten-metre tall painting stands proudly on the front of the Mount Stuart Primary School where Mrs Campbell held the role of headteacher from 1965 until 1999 and put the teaching of black history and culture on the school's curriculum.

The striking artwork was sponsored by Cardiff University and celebrates the contributions made by Mrs Campbell to education in Wales and the wider world, as she pioneered multi-cultural education and diversity and helped found Black History Month.

The project developed after children at the school learned about Mrs Campbell's legacy and wanted something at the school site to remember her. With support from the Governing Body and funding from Cardiff University, artist Bradley Rmer who painted the iconic ‘My City, My Shirt' was commissioned to paint the mural.

The official unveiling welcomed members of Mrs Campbell's family, pupils and staff at the school, school governors and representatives from Cardiff University. They were joined by Cardiff Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry and Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty, Equality and Public Health, Cllr Julie Sangani.

Helen Borley, Headteacher at Mount Stuart Primary School said: "The mural of a smiling Mrs Campbell looks over the playground, watching the children of Butetown at play. I'd like to think Mrs Campbell would approve of that. It's a daily reminder to us all of her legacy of hard work and determination to do the very best for this community. "

Cardiff University Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Urfan Khaliq said: "Betty Campbell campaigned for social justice in her community and is an inspiration to us all. Her vision and passion for inclusivity and learning is timeless, universal and speaks to the power of education to transform lives. This mural, which has been created in the school where she worked so tirelessly, is an important reminder of her many great achievements - which are relevant to everyone - as well as her close bond and commitment to the people of Butetown."

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Betty Campbell is an iconic figure who's approach to education and diversity has had an outstanding impact on the people of Butetown, Cardiff and beyond.

"I know that many children from the school helped in the design process for the Betty Campbell statue in Cardiff's Central Square and now they have they own reminder of Betty, taking pride of place at the school. This wonderful painting is a reminder to the whole community of the local heritage and the significant part Betty played in it."

Cardiff Council's Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty, Equality and Public Health, Cllr Julie Sangani, said: "Last October during Black History Month, I was delighted to be a guest speaker at the very first Annual Betty Campbell Monument Lecture, a new addition to the Black History Month celebrations in Cardiff. 

"Passionate about her community, Mrs Campbell wanted to celebrate inclusion and create a more equal society, making sure that children could see people who looked and sounded like her, occupying positions of prominence and influence across the city. 

"Together, we want to ensure that every single child growing up in our city, whatever their background, is given the opportunity, support and guidance to achieve their dreams and help shape the future of Cardiff.