Faces of Wales

Faces of Wales is a research project that aims to highlight the written stories and oral histories of local heroes in Welsh communities. This online exhibition displays a collection of mini biographical accounts of individuals of Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds from across Wales to share their experiences and celebrate their rich contributions to Welsh life, culture and communities. 

  Pc Amit Patel – Police Officer  “As an Indian police officer and Vice Chair for the Black and Asian Police Association I have been able to support my BAME colleagues and engage with the under-represented groups in our communities to build bridges of trust and break down cultural barriers. I am currently working in the Workforce Representation team where I have helped educate our staff, officers, and leaders around different religions and cultures. I have also been actively recruiting diverse members of our communities to be on our interview panels so that the public have a say in who supports and protects them.” Amit was born in Rochdale 1989. His mother was of Asian African heritage and born in Uganda. She came to Britain as a refugee after being expelled from Africa by Idi Amin. His father was Indian, and he came to Britain on a boat with his brothers in the 1970s. His parents really came from nothing and worked tremendously hard to get where they are now. They have b...

  Essi Ahari – Chief Inspector, North Wales Police, Felinheli Essi Ahari was born and raised in Iran. He came to Wales to further his education and studied in Bangor University, where he obtained a PHD in Biology. He settled in Felinheli in North Wales with his wife and has had two children who have grown up in Wales. Essi’s first language is Farsi and is also fluent in English and currently learning Welsh within North Wales Police. He feels it is important to make an effort to learn the language of the people and demonstrate enthusiasm surrounding Welsh culture and traditions to ensure positive relations within the community. Both of his children attended Welsh schools and speak Welsh fluently. Essi feels well settled in Wales and loves the scenery of North Wales, the location, the people and the lifestyle. He is particularly fond of the mountains and the sea surrounding the areas. Essi joined the North Wales Police force in 1996. Amongst his duties as Chief Inspector, Essi i...

  Jean Samuel   African Artist, Bangor “I know I have my own place and my own story to tell.” – Jean Samuel Jean Samuel came to Wales in November 2014, to study Banking and Finance at Bangor University. He was initially hoping to pursue a career in Finance, however his passion for art drove him to follow a career as a successful artist. Jean Samuel is an African Painter and paints Afrocentric art. Recently; his art has been changing as his paintings uniquely express his personal encounters with the world. Wales has greatly facilitated his artistic development and has enriched his work with diversity. He is proud to be able to produce something different and unique. He finds Wales extremely interesting and is planning on staying in Wales for a while. When he eventually returns to Africa, he plans to come and go from Wales. He feels loved and respected by the community in North Wales and feels a strong connection with the land and people here. On his arrival in Wales, ...