Race and 13th Century Friars

[philippe]

I've just been asked by the BBC about whether it would have been possible for an African to have been in friar in 13th century England. They have found a skeleton in the grounds of the old friary in Ipswich.
Thomas of Eccleston talks about various foreigners being members of the English province - Peter the Spaniard is mentioned by name and Spain would have had quite a mixed population because of the links with North Africa. Does anyone have any evidence or opinions about whether it would have been possible for an African to have been a friar in England in the 13th century?
I don't see it as inherently impossible. It seems that racial discrimination in recruitment dates from the 16th century and the issues that arose in the Spanish and Portuguese empires but was not a great problem before that. Any help would be greatly valued - preferably before the 2nd February when they want to interview me!
Thanks.