Nomination of first black Mayor Lilian Barr ‘deeply fitting’ as Derry marches on for ‘equality and civil rights’

Mrs. McLaughlin was speaking in the Stormont Assembly ahead of Monday night’s Annual Meeting of Derry City & Strabane District Council when Councillor Barr will officially be conferred with the chain of office at the Guildhall.

“I am delighted to mark a historic day for Northern Ireland. Tonight, my friend and colleague Lilian Seenoi-Barr becomes the first black mayor in Northern Ireland. Lilian's appointment is first and foremost a mark of her personal tenacity and resilience.

“Anyone who has met her knows that she is simply relentless. Lilian and I entered politics at the same time, and, in that time, I have seen at first hand how she has been a dedicated campaigner for her community and an unstoppable advocate for Foyleside and all the people across Derry.

“She has already made an enormous impact as a councillor and campaigner, and I know that she will make a remarkable mayor for Derry city and Strabane. She will truly speak up for everyone across the city and district,” she said.

The Foyle MLA described Mrs. Barr’s personal story as ‘nothing short of extraordinary’.

"She came here as a refugee and sought protection in Northern Ireland. The fact that she will now become our mayor is a sign of the possibility that exists for all people from all backgrounds.

“The barriers that Lilian has broken down are more evidence of the opportunity that exists for anyone who thinks that they may not be able to go as far as their talents will take them. There are now possibilities,” said Mrs. McLaughlin.

MLAs were told that the incoming first citizen is somebody who embodies the SDLP' vision of ‘a peaceful, prosperous, anti-sectarian future here based on difference and diversity’.

Mrs. McLaughlin declared: "Lilian's appointment as our city's first citizen is also a mark of how far we have come as a society. It reflects a changing place and is a symbol of the diverse and pluralist community that we in Northern Ireland now all share.”

She went on to highlight the racist abuse suffered by Councillor Barr since the announcement of her nomination by the SDLP.

“It is no secret that Lilian's nomination has been met with intense and sustained online abuse. That should be a cause for all of us to unite and to denounce the cowards who hide behind screens and faceless profiles on social media.

“In a week in which we will debate hate crime, it is right that we say loudly and clearly to those voices that they do not represent us and certainly do not represent the people of my city. My city is one of protest and progress.

“Our people have always spoken up and fought for social justice. The fact that it will be Derry that nominates the first black mayor in Northern Ireland is deeply fitting and is a sign of our city taking another step on that march for equality and civil rights.

"Lilian, congratulations. I wish you all the best in the year ahead as mayor,” said Mrs. McLaughlin.

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