THIS month we celebrate Black History Month.

It is a time of year when we recognise the achievements of African and African Caribbean communities across the UK.

It is also an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people of African descent, as part of our shared history and heritage here in Wales.

From educational talks to food festivals, the month is filled with events celebrating varied Black culture and histories.

For over a decade, Black History Month Wales has celebrated Wales’ diversity, showcased our heritage, cultural identity and the vast contributions that we have made to our country.

The theme of this year’s celebration is Movers, Shakers and Legacy Makers.

The focus is on the achievements of young people from black and minority ethnic communities across Wales who have made dynamic change for better futures in Wales and beyond.

At a reception in the Senedd I was delighted to meet and speak to local school children about BAME people who have played a positive role in history.

I was very impressed to listen to pupils speak about their role models and hopes for the future.

In Cardiff South and Penarth we’re lucky to have a number of role models to recognise and celebrate.

In my 90 second statement in the Assembly last week I took the opportunity to highlight two local icons, Billy Boston and Betty Campbell.

Billy Boston was born in Butetown. His father was West African and his mother was Irish.

Billy was overlooked by rugby union. However he is recognised as one of the greatest ever British rugby league players.

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Campbell, also born in 1934 in Butetown, was the first black head teacher in Wales.

Following a public vote on hidden heroines Cardiff Council confirmed earlier this year that a statue of Betty will be built in Cardiff - the first woman to feature in our capital city.

On the weekend I will be on a question and answer panel about institutionalised racism in Wales, across sport, the media, politics, and the world of work.

I look forward to sitting on the panel with Cllr Saeed Ebrahim, lawyer Hilary Brown, and Chisomo Phiri from EYST.

As more and more Black History Month events take place across Wales, I cannot help but feel a sense of pride in how far we have come as a nation.

I hope that these events continue to inspire the next generation of young black leaders as we still have so much more to change.

To all my constituents, to everyone across Wales, I hope you all join in with the celebrations and festivities of this historic month, attend the events, learn about those that have trailblazed for us and make this a Black History Month to remember.