Northern Ireland has newly appointed its first Black mayor, Lilian Seenoi-Barr. The historic moment came after a selection committee named her mayor of Derry City and Strabane during a special council meeting on June 3. Seenoi-Barr is a Kenyan refugee who arrived in Londonderry in 2010. She said it’s an honor to become “first citizen,” or what Americans often refer to as mayor.
“If you told me that I would become the first citizen of the second city, I would not have believed you,” she told the chamber during an address after she was selected.
This isn’t the first time she has made history in Northern Ireland. In 2023, she won the people’s vote and hearts, making history as the first Black person elected into public office.
My first week as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District has been an incredible experience. I am deeply grateful for the love and support I have received everywhere I go. pic.twitter.com/BkTsS7il6p
— Cllr. Lilian Seenoi Barr (MRS BARR)-SDLP (@Lseenoi) June 9, 2024
Becoming Northern Island’s First Black Mayor
Seenoi-Barr’s process of becoming mayor didn’t come without hiccups. Two members of her party resigned after they caught wind she would be selected as mayor of Northern Ireland. Jason Barr, the former deputy mayor, and Shauna Cusack resigned after neither was selected for the role, the BBC reports. As a result, the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) said it would move forward in proposing an amendment at its next annual general meeting to “regularize the process.”
People began spreading anti-immigrant rhetoric on social media following news she would be named mayor. She said the comments are a reminder of the “issues we face as a community.” She also highlighted that she doesn’t think the negative comments are “reflective of people in this district.”
“I’ve witnessed the warmth and kindness of the Derry that I know and have loved with all my heart through the kindness of strangers and the outpouring of solidarity and support,” said Seenoi-Barr.
As mayor, Seenoi-Bar wants to be accessible to all and is committed to giving people hope.
“It is our time to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and vibrant Derry City and Strabane District Council under the banner of unity and progressive change,” she said.
Leaving Kenya For A Better Life
Seenoi-Barr left home for Derry with her son, Brian. As an activist in Kenya, she also helped young girls and women from the Massai tribe challenge tribal traditions of early marriage and female genital mutilation.
According to UNICEF, 2022 health data shows roughly 15 percent of girls and women ages 15 to 49 have been circumcised. It’s a number that has gone down but is still too high.
Her work came with risks and threats. When you add the fact that her son also has autism, she was concerned about their safety in Kenya. She said there are a ton of misconceptions and negative beliefs surrounding the condition in Africa. Northern Ireland granted her and her son refugee status. The island is not a part of the Republic of Ireland – often referred to simply as Ireland. Instead, the region is a part of the United Kingdom.
Her refugee experience also inspired her to launch her charity, North West Migrants Forum (NWMF). With over 50 volunteers and six full-time staff, the NWMF is the leading anti-racism charity in the North West.
