‘Betty was inspirational and fuelled a passion for learning’
Two former pupils of Wales’ first black headteacher, Betty Campbell, who died last week, remember her and the influence she had on their lives long after they left Mount Stuart Primary in Cardiff
CHANTELLE Haughton, 46, a lecturer in education at Cardiff Metropolitan University, says she owes her career to the influence of Mrs Campbell’s teaching.
She said: “Mrs Campbell instilled in us all a sense of pride in learning and to stand up for what we believe in.
“I remember her holding my hand when I was seven and walking me to school the day my sister was born, and she was there at my graduation. She was just always there. She was more than a headteacher.
“Her love of teaching put a fire in my belly and I’m now a senior lecturer in education at Cardiff Metropolitan University and a governor of Mount Stuart Primary. Without question I would not have progressed in the way I did without her. She fuelled my passion for learning.
“Mrs Campbell was a neighbour and friend and “Auntie Betty”, but most of all she was an inspirational teacher.
“As head she didn’t teach a class but she was always teaching. She knew every class and was always part of what we were doing.
“I remember her storytelling. I remember her voice, it was magical. She had an aura about her when she was telling tales about her adventures, her family and travels.
“She was so ahead of her time in all things. Black history and music was embedded in our education. She had a holistic approach.
“Celebrating diversity was vital and inspirational for my school cohort and her work continues. We took diversity as the norm.
“Mrs Campbell loved celebrations and was always the heart and soul of everything. If she knew one of her pupils was doing something that could be celebrated she would try to be there.
“She was always there at key points in my life. At my graduation I looked down at the audience and she was there. I just cannot believe she’s gone.
“I was taught by Mrs Campbell at primary but she was a lifelong teacher for me. Beyond the school gates she was part of the community.
“She was centuries ahead of her time. She led the way. How many black head teachers are there now? I feel blessed to have had her as my teacher.”
Leanne Rahman, 41, and her sisters Jamilla Fletcher, 38, and Ayaisha Griffiths, 36, were all taught by Mrs Campbell, who helped them settle in when they arrived in the city’s Tiger Bay from the Caribbean in the 1980s.
Leanne said: “My first memory of Mrs Campbell is when I was nine and she was introduced to me as ‘Auntie Betty’.
“My mum was from Tiger Bay but went to live in Barbados where I was born. My mum had just brought us back from the Caribbean to live in Tiger Bay when I first met Mrs Campbell.
“It was a culture shock; it was November and cold but it was exciting and I joined her school that month. At school she was always Mrs Campbell, not Auntie Betty.
“At that young age I didn’t think about her being a black headteacher, that never came into my mind, but it was important growing up that Mrs Campbell had this unique way of instilling pride in everyone and because the school was so diverse you felt welcome and belonged.
“I have so many happy memories of Mount Stuart with her. The school felt like a family.
“Mrs Campbell was very firm, but fair. You could always knock on her door if you needed help, but woe betide if you were in trouble – not that I ever was! I was a good girl.
“She wanted the best for her children and knew everyone’s names and families.
“I went on to Fitzalan High and have great memories of that too.
“Mrs Campbell continued to be an influence after I left. She had the most amazing family and I attended holiday video workshops run by her son Simon and went on to work in the arts. I’m now an arts manager with Juke Box Collective and work with street dancers.
“Mrs Campbell was a huge inspiration.”