Ynys Môn MP recognises the black community's contribution to the history of the island

Black History Month provides a fantastic opportunity to recognize the important contributions made by people of African and Caribbean descent to the world we live in today.

It is not just about the past but also about examining our present and looking to the future to ensure equality for all.

This is particularly poignant following the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests this year.

In a speech to Parliament, Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Môn, recognised the contribution that the black community played in the history of the island.

She related the story of the Amlwch “Copper Rush” in the 1700s, when local entrepreneur, Thomas Williams, traded African slaves to fund the mining of Parys Mountain.

Explaining the impact this had on the north of the island, Ms Crosbie said: “By the end of the eighteenth century, Wales controlled half of the world’s copper. Amlwch’s harbour grew, its population rose from 500 to 10,000 and Williams became a very wealthy man.”

She encouraged her fellow Members to: “Visit the Amlwch Heritage Trust exhibitions at Copper Kingdom and Parys Mountain to understand the huge contribution made by the BAME community to our past.”

Using the opportunity to raise current day issues on Anglesey, she added that Amlwch is now a long way from its position as a significant player in world trade.

The town has suffered significant under-investment over the past few years and is now highly tourism dependent.

She said: “Amlwch needs solid employment opportunities to bring back the boom times. The wind and waves that once brought ships to Amlwch’s shores haven’t gone anywhere.

"By harnessing those renewable resources we can turn Ynys Môn into the UK’s Energy Island with projects like Morlais Marine Energy and become a hub of employment opportunities. This time we will build back better – not with black slavery but with opportunities for all regardless of race, creed or colour.”