Wales' first black leader 'breaks stereotypes'

A children’s author says new Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething has broken "stereotypes" for black people as he becomes Europe’s first black leader.

Jessica Dunrod said typically "black people can only be seen to thrive in the music industry or within sports".

The Cardiff writer has published stories in both English and Welsh to inspire black and ethnic minority children, and said it was "vital" that black children see themselves in books.

Mr Gething made history as the Senedd voted to confirm him as first minister on Wednesday.

Mr Gething won the Welsh Labour leadership election on Saturday, and he succeeds Mark Drakeford.

“I think it’s fantastic for Wales and as a testament for how hard he’s worked in unions, councils, and the Senedd," said Ms Dunrod.

She told BBC Wales Live Mr Gething's experiences will affect conversations and attitudes in Wales and Europe for the better.

“When it comes to anti-racism it’s great we have a leader that understands it and has experienced it.”

“But there’s more to Vaughan than his race, he’s kind and he wants to help, so whether we’re talking on misogyny or racism, we’ve got a fresh mind in place now. I’m excited to see what Wales will look like in five years,” she added.

The author has written several children’s books in English and Welsh language as she wanted to "counteract negative stereotypes that may be placed on black people".

Her latest book, Billy, features the story of Welsh rugby player Billy Boston, who moved from the union game to league.

He was made a MBE for his services to sport in 1986 but faced prejudice during his time in the sport.

“Billy overcame obstacles just like Vaughan and set world records, and these are the type of people or characters that I want children in Welsh schools to read about.”

She first met Mr Gething at the St David’s Awards where she was a finalist and said she felt supported by him despite not being a constituent.

“With my recent book Billy, I asked him to come along to the launch and to be fair I didn’t expect for him to come because he was at the height of the leadership battle. But he showed up. If you ask him, he will show up for you."

Ms Dunrod said racism was getting worse in Wales and across Britain.

She said: “I was called the N word going to the shop to buy bread with my son recently, that’s not something that happened a few years ago.”

“It does feel like it’s getting worse but I feel slightly more helpless as it’s all done under a veil of antiracism. We’re still working 10 times harder to be seen as valued.”

She hoped Mr Gething bringing his insight and experiences would result in positive change, not just for Wales but further afield.

“Vaughan has spoken many times about racism and I feel like that is an exciting person to have representing families like mine. But also taking that discussion to Europe, it will have a positive impact for someone, somewhere.”

Mr Gething's appointment is also exciting for Bowen Cole, 17, a member of the Welsh Youth Parliament and European Youth Parliament .

“It's not just Welsh history. It's history for the UK and Europe as well. Because, we had Obama in America, who was the first black president and now we have Vaughan Gething,” he told BBC Newsbeat.

“It means that no matter what people say about you, you will find your place in society."

For more on this watch Wales Live at 22:40 GMT on BBC One Wales on Wednesday, or on the BBC iPlayer