Yma O Hyd, Daffyd Iwan ar Ac Log (1981) Or where we learn the Welsh get everywhere

Birmingham, AL

"Despite Everything and Everyone, We're Still Here"

This is a translation of the chorus of the Song Yma O Hyd. It's a Welsh folk song written in the 1980's at the height of the struggle of recognition of the Welsh languange under Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government. So why the hell am I writing about this when I'm in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham is the birthplace of the Civil Rights movement, The Alabama Police turned their dogs and water cannon on children as they campaigned for equality and Dr King said that Birmingham was the starting point on the March to Civil Rights. The saddest part of the story in Birmingham are the four young women who were murdered during a firebomb attack on the 16th Street Baptist Church. Four Children in a place of worship killed for the colour of their skin. Entering the Church is a sobering experience, a memorial wall to the four children and other martyrs of the Civil Rights movement dominates the entrance, and the church itself is still an active place of worship despite the attempts of many in the 1960's. For that reason alone the words of Daffyd Iwan seemed apposite. Despite the work of the firebombers, and the crowds that jeered as Black children entered newly integrated schools the Church is a still thriving community at the heart of a vibrant neighbourhood. But there's more to it than that. Dominating the back wall of the Church is a huge stained glass window of an artistically rendered Black Christ. The window was a donation from the Baptist churches of Wales, raised by contributions from Baptist churches up and down the country. My grandparents, who were proud Baptists probably tipped in a few coins themselves.. contributing to a Church in a place they would never visit. I must admit I fought back the tears as I looked up at the window, but it also made me think of the Song and as much as it's a song about the Welsh language and Welsh Culture I truly think it's an anthem for any group of people who have had to struggle for their rights, or culture or beliefs. I've seen many unbelievable sights in this country, but none will stay with me like my memories of standing in that Church