In June 2024, Lilian Seenoi-Barr etched her name in the annals of history, becoming Northern Ireland’s first black mayor and only the third on the island of Ireland. Her ascension as mayor of Derry City and Strabane marks not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for representation and diversity in Northern Ireland. Seenoi-Barr, a Kenyan-born refugee, has navigated a path filled with challenges, turning obstacles into opportunities and becoming a beacon of hope and progress.
From Refugee to First Citizen
Fourteen years ago, Lilian Seenoi-Barr arrived in Londonderry with her young son, fleeing threats in her native Kenya due to her advocacy against early marriage and female genital mutilation among the Maasai tribe. Settling in a new country, she sought safety and a better future. “If you told me that I would become the first citizen of the second city, I would not have believed you,” she remarked during her installation as mayor, reflecting on her incredible journey from Narok, Kenya, to Londonderry’s Guildhall.
Seenoi-Barr’s initial years in Northern Ireland were marked by her commitment to social justice and community development. In 2012, she founded the North West Migrants Forum, providing support to migrants and asylum seekers. Her activism extended to organizing Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020, further cementing her role as a formidable advocate for equality and inclusion.
Political Ascent and Challenges
Her foray into politics began in 2021 when she was co-opted by the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) as a councillor for the Foyleside ward. In 2023, she made history by becoming the first black politician elected to any public office in Northern Ireland. Despite facing racist abuse and death threats following her mayoral selection, Seenoi-Barr remained resolute. “The anti-immigrant sentiment is a reminder of the issues we face as a community but it is not reflective of people in this district,” she asserted, emphasizing the support and solidarity she received from the majority of Derry’s residents.
A Vision for Inclusive Leadership
Seenoi-Barr’s mayoral tenure is underpinned by her commitment to accessibility and inclusive governance. “It is our time to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and vibrant Derry City and Strabane District Council,” she declared. Her vision encompasses unity and progressive change, aiming to bridge divides and foster a community where diversity is celebrated and everyone has a voice.
Community and Global Impact
The significance of Seenoi-Barr’s appointment resonates deeply within Northern Ireland’s ethnic minority communities. Andy George, president of the National Black Police Association, lauded her as a “beacon of hope for the future.” Her visibility in such a prominent role serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that barriers can be broken and paving the way for others from minority backgrounds to aspire to public office.
Her journey also holds personal resonance for many. Beverly Simpson, a Derry nurse, described the moment as highly emotional. “It means everything. It means difference, change, inclusion, diversity, and acceptance,” she said, highlighting the broader impact of Seenoi-Barr’s achievement on Northern Ireland’s evolving social landscape.
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