James (Jim) Sapoe John Mannay was born in 1927 in Cardiff's Historic 'Tiger Bay'.
Known fondly to Jim as Cardiff Bay, he recorded his memories of his life living at number 11, Francis Street and became somewhat of a local historian. Jim's mother ran a boarding house where many of his father's African Kinsmen resided. Many lived with the family for over 30 years. Jim successfully recorded the story of the Kru tribe as passed down through family members and noted the names of many of the Seamen he encountered. His love of history and for the knowledge of his father's People, has enabled over 500 African Seamen from Liberia and Sierra Leone to be traced. As a result of Jim's accuracy in his story telling, he has secured much if his Father's Kru history for future generations.

Jim's Father, Jim Sapol (Sapoe) Mannay is also pictured within our collection.