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History was made at the Annual General Meeting of Derry City & Strabane District Council when Kenyan born Councillor became the first black person ever to be conferred with the Mayoral chain of office in Northern Ireland, SDLP leader Colm Eastwood shares his thoughts.

After raising Mayor Lilian Barr’s hand to the crowds applause Colum Eastwood shared his thoughts with the Journal.

Mr. Eastwood said: “It's a fantastic night for the people of Derry, a fantastic night for the SDLP we now have a history making mayor Lilian Barr, the first ever Black mayor in the whole of Northern Ireland in all of our history.”

He continued: "Somebody who came as a refugee from Kenya 14 years ago, made a life here, built a family here and worked on behalf of the community here, is now our first citizen. The city of civil rights, couldn't be prouder today.”

SDLP Colr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, newly elected mayor of Derry and Strabane, pictured with SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MP and her husband Patrick. Photo: George Sweeney.

Talking before the Annual General Meeting Mr. Eastwood said: “I cannot imagine what it is like to have to move halfway across the world and make a new life for yourself in a place very different from your home, but there is no doubt that Lilian is a true ‘Derry girl’ and I’m looking forward to working with her throughout her year as Mayor.”

“Lilian’s story shows that talent and hard work can make a difference and I think it’s fitting that she will make history as the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, a city and region known the world over for standing up against oppression."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood shares his thoughts on Derry's history making Mayor Lilian Barr

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