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Lilian Seenoi-Barr, a Kenyan-born politician, was Monday sworn in as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council in Northern Ireland. This makes Seenoi-Barr the first Black person to hold the position.
Seenoi-Barr, who arrived in Derry City as a refugee 14 years ago, was selected by the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in April. “I am delighted to serve my community,” she told the BBC, “Derry has given me so much.”
Seenoi-Barr’s swearing-in was a landmark moment, making her not only the first Black mayor in Northern Ireland but also the third on the island of Ireland. Her family, including her brother Senator Ledama Ole Kina from Kenya, was present at the ceremony.
Seenoi-Barr is a community development practitioner and social justice advocate. She is the founder of the North West Migrants Forum, which supports minority groups in Northern Ireland. She is also a graduate of the University of Ulster and has a history of fighting for women’s rights, including advocating against female genital mutilation.
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