Welsh History Is Black History!

Steve Khaireh MBE born in Barry, is the son of a Somali merchant seaman who was lost at sea, when Steve was just 10 years old. Raised as a Muslim in a boarding house in Butetown, which his mother ran surrounded by many different cultures. They even had a mosque in the back garden to accommodate the faith of the Somali seamen who would frequent the boarding house, whilst dwelling during travelling to Cardiff to work on the ships. Steve has found memories of growing up in Butetown but remembers some hostility towards interracial relationships. Steve recalls, his mother a white woman, was disowned by her family because of her marriage to a Somali immigrant. What is fascinating about Steve’s story, is that his mother's first husband was Abby Farrah, known as the father of Somali Land. He was also the founders of one of the very first race relation organisations known back then as the ‘coloured society in Barry, which was very progressive for the time. Abby did great things for humanity and received an MBE from King George VI.

Abdulrahim Abby Farrah

Abby Farrah's eldest son, Abdulrahim Abby Farrah, is one of the most famous Welsh Somali men of all time. He too born in Barry, became the deputy under secretary for the United Nations, leading the 1990 UN mission that oversaw the dismantling of South Africa. He worked alongside Kofi Annan, who was unable to negotiate peace talks in the middle east, so Abdulrahim, would be sent in to conduct affairs as his deputy. Abdulrahim, is an unsung hero of Wales and regarded as the second most powerful man in the world, during his time. He also received an MBE from the Queen. Abby Farrah's, middle son Abdulrahman was also given a MBE by the Queen. You can find out more about this extraordinary family by visiting: www.nation.cymru.com.

Steve Khaireh MBE

The legacy of MBE’s can be seen throughout the family as Steve also received an MBE from the Queen, in honour of his work as a community education youth worker as well as his contribution in sport and music projects. Steve helps to run, Horn Development Association HDA, which works to support the integration of Somali migrants in the capital.