During a 26-year campaign, activist, and performer Patti Flynn was able to get a memorial for black troops. A purple plaque honoring the lives of Welsh women will be presented to a black lady for the first time.
Michael Flynn accepted the medal on behalf of his mother, who passed away in 2020, stating that she “stood on the shoulders of other strong, black women.”
Later, the plaque will be unveiled in Cardiff at the Wales Millennium Centre. The Purple Plaques program was designed to increase awareness of “outstanding women in Wales.”
Ms. Flynn, a contemporary of Shirley Bassey, was born in the district of Cardiff’s docks formerly known as Tiger Bay.
She became a jazz vocalist, author, model, actress, and social crusader.
In 2019, Patti received an Ethnic Minority Welsh Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2017, she was recognized as one of the original members of the Black History Month movement in Wales.
After losing her father and brothers in World War II, the Butetown singer led a successful 26-year campaign for a memorial to black and ethnic minority troops who perished in combat.
In 2019, she joined 200 others at the memorial’s unveiling in Cardiff. It does not matter how you appear.
Michael stated that his mother did not allow the color of her skin to define who she was, leaving a legacy that “lives on and has a tremendous impact on people.”
She was very proud and remarked that what you do, not your appearance, is what makes you unique.
He said that he looked forward to a time when the ethnicity of powerful women will no longer define them.
He noted, though, that she “stood on the shoulders of many young women and black activists” and should be commended for her accomplishments.
He stated that the honor brought back fond family memories. While she passed away while Covid lockdown limitations were in effect, he stated that it was a chance for people to congregate and honor her.
“It will be emotional,” he stated.
“We were unable to host a wake or a drink following the funeral because there were fewer than twenty mourners.
“So, now is the moment for individuals to come and perform the action. I thought it would be a small event, but people are coming from all over, even children I grew up with.
“I am quite proud, and we are extremely humbled.”
He stated that her career in addition to her activism and being a single mother was a “big accomplishment” and that she often had to juggle all three, but “always made sure we had fun.”
“Mom would travel all the way to Scotland to perform and back to pay the gas bill, so she made many sacrifices for us as a family.”
“Relentless activist”
Professor Uzo Iwobi, CEO of Race Council Cymru and activist for Black History in Wales, stated:
“Patti was a force of nature exemplified by her relentless 27-year campaign to rectify the historical injustice of failing to recognize and thank ethnic minority servicemen and women who served in World Wars.”
“Patti was one-of-a-kind; her passion for jazz and music distinguished her, and I am certain that she lives on in her children, grandkids, and all her future generations.
“Today, we honor our Black History patron, a jazz diva from Tiger Bay whom we once met and will never forget. Rest In Peace and Strength, Patti Flynn”
Sue Essex, chairwoman of Purple Plaques Wales, stated, “Purple Plaques is thrilled to honor Patti, a truly amazing woman, and we are thrilled to work with the WMC and Patti’s family to ensure that her contribution is commemorated with a Purple Plaque for all to see.”
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