Historic Appointment and Political Changes in Sheffield: Safiya Saeed Makes History as Lord Mayor

England’s Sheffield has appointed its first Black hijab-wearing Lord Mayor, Labour councillor Safiya Saeed, marking a historic milestone, BBC reported. Inaugurated as the city’s 128th Lord Mayor at a council meeting on Monday, Saeed—a Somali-born single mother of five—expressed deep pride in her new role. Having moved to Sheffield in 1985, she described the city as her home, stating, “I am honored to be the first Black woman wearing a hijab in this position. Sheffield is where I belong.”

A Burngreave councillor since 2021, Saeed founded Reach Up Youth, a community initiative supporting marginalized young people, particularly from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds. In her inaugural speech, she emphasized inclusivity: “I want every voice, no matter how quiet, to feel heard in this city.” The Lord Mayor role is ceremonial, serving as an ambassador for Sheffield.

The ceremony at Sheffield Town Hall was attended by Saeed’s family, including relatives who traveled from Somaliland.