Lilian Seenoi-Barr: From Human Rights Activism in Kenya to Becoming the First Black Mayor in Northern Ireland

In a recent development, the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, has been honored with the Africa Sustainability Man of the Year 2023 Award at the 17th edition of the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS) in Lagos [77dec4c1]. Enoh was recognized for his contributions to sustainable leadership and transformational leadership in the sports ministry. The award organizers praised his clear policy directions and passion for rejuvenating Nigeria's sports ecosystem. Enoh's six-point agenda, known as W.A.I.F.A.R, was hailed as a game changer in the sports sector. This award puts Enoh in the company of previous winners such as Tony Elumelu, Aliko Dangote, and Lt. -Gen. Sir Khama [77dec4c1].

In another news, Nigerian writer, poet, and environmental rights activist Nnimmo Bassey has won the prestigious 2024 Wallenberg Medal [35af0cdb]. Bassey, known for his work on climate change and environmental protection in the Niger Delta, will receive the medal as the 30th global recipient and deliver the Wallenberg Lecture on September 10 in Ann Arbor City, Michigan. The Wallenberg Medal is awarded to outstanding humanitarians, and Bassey will become the first Nigerian and the fifth African to receive the honor. Bassey is the executive director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation and a member of the steering committee of Oilwatch International. He has received several awards, including the Right Livelihood Award and the Rafto Human Rights Prize [35af0cdb].

Additionally, Ben Jealous, the seventh executive director of the Sierra Club, has been leading the fight for civil rights and environmental justice [5eb927ea]. Jealous has a diverse background, having served in roles from organizer to investigative journalist to president of two influential groups pursuing equity and justice and protecting democracy and the environment. He launched the Climate Justice Program and issued a report on the impact of coal-fired power plants on communities of color. Jealous emphasizes the importance of grassroots institutions and the need to invest in them. He believes that the fight for environmental justice is a fight for the future and encourages young people to get involved in the green economy. Jealous envisions a future where the United States is a leader in clean energy and manufacturing. He urges young entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities in the green economy and emphasizes the importance of optimism and preparation for leadership in the next economy. Jealous also calls on parents to support their children in taking risks and becoming entrepreneurs in order to build wealth in the new economy [5eb927ea].

This article also highlights five Black environmentalists who have dedicated their lives to advocating for environmental justice. The first environmentalist mentioned is Hazel M. Johnson, known as the mother of the environmental justice movement, who founded the People for Community Recovery organization to address environmental issues impacting minority and low-income communities. Wangari Maathai, an internationally renowned Kenyan human rights activist and environmentalist, founded the Green Belt Movement, which planted over 30 million trees across Kenya. Margie Richard, a resident of Norco, Louisiana, founded Concerned Citizens of Norco after witnessing her community being affected by health issues caused by a Shell chemical plant. Robert D. Bullard, often regarded as the father of environmental justice, is a prominent scholar and activist who has focused on environmental racism, sustainability, and climate justice. John Francis, inspired by an oil spill in San Francisco Bay, made a decision to live a more environmentally conscious lifestyle and founded Planetwalk, a non-profit environmental awareness organization. These environmentalists have made significant contributions to the fight for environmental justice and serve as inspirations for others [0183903d].

Lilian Seenoi-Barr, sister to Ledama Ole Kina, is a human rights activist and community leader known for promoting equality and championing the rights of marginalized communities. She began her career in Kenya advocating for women's rights, education, and community development. After threats to her safety, she became a refugee in Northern Ireland in 2010 and founded the North West Migrants Forum in 2012. Lilian Seenoi-Barr made history as the first black mayor in Northern Ireland. She has been recognized for her work in promoting gender equality and women's rights and has spearheaded various projects aimed at empowering migrants and fostering social cohesion. Lilian has a son and met her husband after arriving in Northern Ireland [338d375f].

Sr Majella McCarron, a missionary nun, spent three decades in Nigeria teaching and campaigning for justice for communities. She was particularly associated with the plight of the Ogoni people in the Niger Delta, who were struggling against the devastating impact of oil pollution. She had a personal friendship with activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed by the Nigerian government in 1995. Sr Majella's impact was recognized with the Global Achievers Award for Nigeria in 2010. She was also involved in environmental campaigns in Ireland and worked with organizations such as Trócaire and the Jesuit Refugee Centre. Sr Majella passed away on March 30, 2024 [677acef9].