NI’s first Black Mayor and Belfast’s first openly gay Mayor both installed on historic night

Lilian Barr, proudly identifying as a “Maasai woman and Derry girl,” has made history as Northern Ireland’s first black Mayor, while Belfast now has its first openly gay first citizen.

The SDLP’s Lilian Seenoi Barr received the mayoral chain from outgoing Councillor Patricia Logue during Derry City and Strabane Council’s Annual General Meeting at the Guildhall on Monday evening.

A delegation of leaders from Kenya, including Senate representatives, the National Assembly, Governors, and the Kenyan Ambassador to the UK, attended the AGM to support Ms. Seenoi Barr.

The new Mayor, who will be assisted by Ulster Unionist Deputy Mayor Darren Guy, expressed her deep honour in representing the city and district. She vowed to “lead with ambition to drive real change, ensuring that all voices within our vibrant community are heard and represented.”

She emphasised that her mayoral year would focus on “unity, growth and the common good,” with commitments to “end poverty, attract investment, support young people to achieve their full potential, create jobs, and advocate for quality affordable housing.”

Ms. Seenoi Barr also aims to reduce long waiting lists for housing, provide play parks for children, and address environmental issues. She reflected on her journey to becoming Mayor, her pride in her Maasai heritage, and the culture’s values of justice and freedom, which she plans to incorporate throughout her term.

Image Credit: Canva

Ms. Seenoi Barr shared her experiences of moving to Derry in 2010 in search of safety and a better life and the warm reception she received from the people of Derry.

In another part of Northern Ireland, Belfast’s new Lord Mayor has pledged to make Belfast a more inclusive and caring city during his term.

Councillor Micky Murray was inaugurated as the Lord Mayor at City Hall, succeeding Ryan Murphy, according to ‘Belfast Telegraph’.

Representing Balmoral, the Alliance councillor has served since May 2022.

“As the city’s first openly gay Lord Mayor, I want Belfast to be a place where everyone feels welcomed and included,” he stated.

“A more inclusive, diverse and kinder city makes it better for everyone.”

Sinn Fein Councillor Ciarán McQuillan is the new Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Cllr McQuillan expressed: “I am honoured to be the first nationalist Mayor from North Antrim.

“I will amplify the voices and aspirations of our youth. It is my goal not only to highlight their talents and ambitions but also to address the challenges they face.”

The Deputy Mayor for the upcoming year is DUP Councillor Tanya Stirling.

Meanwhile, Neil Kelly from the Alliance Party has been appointed as the new Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, with Paul Dunlop BEM from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) nominated as Deputy Mayor for the new term.

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