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‘It shows you can achieve anything in this country’: Derry’s first black mayor prepares to take office

Lilian Seenoi-Barr started her career of activism aged 12 when campaigning for the rights of Maasai women and girls

SDLP councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr
SDLP councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr
Katie Mellett
Wed May 01 2024 - 06:00

“I was born to fight injustice,” said Lilian Seenoi-Barr, who is set to become Northern Ireland’s first black mayor.

She will be appointed as the first citizen of Derry and Strabane District Council on June 3rd, taking over from Patricia Logue. “It’s very exciting, I’m honoured and delighted. I’m looking forward to showing the best of our city and more inclusivity.”

Originally from Kenya, Seenoi-Barr settled in Derry in 2010 after she came to Northern Ireland as a refugee.

“It was difficult to settle and integrate. I had a child, I didn’t know much about the country,” she said. “The people were very warm, they rally around you.”

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She has a long history of activism, campaigning for issues such as the rights of Maasai women and girls. In 1999, she cofounded the Maasai Education Discovery-Brides rescue project, which aimed to protect young girls from forced marriage, female genital mutilation and provide access to a free primary school education.

At just 12 years old, Seenoi-Barr began campaigning for Maasai girls. “I am Maasai, it’s a fabulous, fabulous culture but it does have some negatives. Female genital mutilation was common practice and girls were married as young as 12. I campaigned to give Maasai girls a choice.”

In 2012, she founded the Northwest Migrant Forum (NWMF), which is an antiracism charity to tackle prejudices and stereotypes about the black and minority communities.

“I started NWMF using my experience. It supports individuals who are moving to Derry, with practical supports such as jobs and CVs. We also work on campaigns, education and work closely with politicians on integration.”

Former US President Bill Clinton speaking with Derry and Strabane District Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr in the Guildhall Taphouse during an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. Photograph: Liam McBurney
Former US President Bill Clinton speaking with Derry and Strabane District Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr in the Guildhall Taphouse during an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. Photograph: Liam McBurney

The SDLP’s Jason Barr and Shauna Cusack were both set to contest the mayoral election, alongside Seenoi-Barr who was chosen through a selection process.

Seenoi-Barr described the process as “very robust and tough, with lots of questions”.

Barr and Cusack criticised how the mayoral decision took place, as there was no voting process among party members. Barr took the ultimate decision to resign from the party following Seenoi-Barr’s appointment, and will continue as an Independent.

Seenoi-Barr said: “I can’t take it personally, it’s not my doing but it is disappointing. I valued Jason as a colleague and a friend. I engaged in the same process as them.”

Seenoi-Barr has been involved with the SDLP informally since 2015. In 2019, she stood for the first time in the local elections but she was unsuccessful. She has held the role of councillor in the Foyleside ward since 2021, when she was co-opted by the SDLP.

She won her seat in Foyleside in last year’s election, becoming the first black politician to be elected to public office in Northern Ireland.

During her political career, Seenoi-Barr has been at the centre of online abuse, which has escalated since her appointment as mayor-elect.

“The comments on social media do not represent the people of Derry. I don’t give it any attention; I’ve learned to live with it,” she said.

The American far-right conspiracy theorist, Alex Jones – who claimed the Sandy Hook shootings were a hoax – has also targeted her. In a recent post on X, he stated “The WEF is now installing invaders as mayors in Ireland, just like in London.”

“People like that crave on people’s vulnerability and crave attention – the best way is to ignore them. He wants a reaction and I’m not giving it to him,” she said.

Seenoi-Barr understands the significance of her appointment.

“It says more about the nature of people in Derry, a city rooted in social justice,” she said. “It shows that you can achieve anything in this country, if you are dedicated, committed and focused on the work.”