“I'm a Maasai woman and a Derry girl”

Ethnic minorities living in Derry have been encouraged to pursue politics despite shocking levels of online abuse.

Speaking at a press conference in the Guildhall on Wednesday afternoon, Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, flanked by SDLP leader Claire Hanna and several public representatives, addressed the recent online abuse she has received in recent weeks and months.

Last month a man was convicted for posting abusive messages on social media about the North's first black mayor.
Kevin Barry McIntyre, 31, of Miller Street, was found guilty of two counts of abusing the communications network in May 2024 by writing online messages about Cllr Seenoi-Barr.

Sentencing him at Derry Magistrates' Court, District Judge Barney McElholm described McIntyre as "a racist".
Judge McElholm added: "I wouldn't inflict this man on the community."

On Monday, McIntyre appealed against the sentence imposed at the Magistrates' Court. It was also revealed that he has written a letter of apology to the court.

Defence counsel Michael Donaghey told the county court that his client now 'cut a contrite figure' who had learned his lesson.
Judge Gerry McNamara said he wanted some time to consider the appropriate sentence in this case and adjourned sentencing until March 14.

Speaking to the media, Cllr Seenoi-Barr said the past week has been “deeply distressing”.

The Mayor said: “Seeing lies, misinformation, and malicious attacks spread about me, simply because of my firm and resolute commitment to fighting racism and injustice in our society, has been incredibly disheartening.

“However, I have been humbled by the support of so many people who reached out to me directly, distancing themselves from such harmful rhetoric and reassuring me that those misinformed individuals do not represent most people in our city and beyond.”

Cllr Seenoi-Barr added that she would not be “deterred” by those making the online attacks.

“Let me be clear,” she said. “I will not be deterred. Not by name-calling, not by the smearing of my character, and certainly not by online attacks from those who offer nothing constructive to our society.

“But the response we have seen to holding people accountable for their threatening and dangerous behaviour, including issuing death threats, has been appalling. And this issue goes far beyond me as an individual.

“It speaks to a broader reality faced by people of colour in this country. We know some will never accept people like me, a black person, whether born here or not, holding strategic political office.

“That is the unfortunate reality we face. But while we acknowledge this, we must never accept disrespect, defamation, and malicious lies rooted in prejudice.”

The Mayor also called for stronger hate crime legislation.

“Our hate crime legislation urgently needs to be updated to offer stronger protections against targeted attacks like these, and when these attacks happen, we must respond, not just with words of solidarity but with concrete action through the justice system.

“The time for talk is over. It is time for real action. I leave you with this: I am a Maasai woman and a Derry girl.

“That combination speaks of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to push forward, knowing that the city I represent and the place I now proudly call home stands against racism and division.”

The Mayor, who founded North West Migrants Forum which supports migrants and asylum seekers, urged those from ethnic minorities not to let online abuse stop them from seeking election in the future.

“We have the right to represent all of our communities,” she said. “Anyone who wants to get into politics, don't let this deter you and this is why I'm standing here, even though I know it's distressing. I am standing here to send a very clear message that we are not backing down.”

SDLP leader Claire Hanna said there is an uptick in disinformation and online abuse which has impacted on Cllr Seenoi-Barr's attempts to carry out her role as Mayor.

The South Belfast MP called all political leaders to stand with the Mayor and call out online abuse.

“We hope all political leaders will stand with us and Lilian as we call out this campaign and ask for their solidarity and their support and address it wherever we find it,” she said.