John Darwin Hinds

John Darwin Hinds (28 December 1922 - 15 March 1981) was a politician who became Wales' first Black and first Muslim councillor in 1958 and later, in 1975 became Wales's first Black mayor. His older sister, Elvira Gwenllian Payne (known as Gwen), was Wales' first Black female councillor.

Early life

Hinds was born in Maerdy, to Leonard Hinds, a former merchant seaman, and Gwenllian Hinds (née Lloyd). He grew up on Morgan Street in Barry. before getting an opportunity to work in the Colonial Office in London. It was whilst working at the Colonial Office that Hinds became interested in politics. It was around the same time that Hinds joined the Labour party and began working on local social issues. He was Wales' first Muslim councillor and Wales' first Black councillor. and he supported Gwen in founding the Buttrills Community centre. He advocated for the establishment of a local branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind association and worked to end housing insecurity.