History made as Coventry woman becomes the city’s first black councillor

A Coventry woman says she has paved the way for others by becoming the city’s first black female councillor. Bea Christopher made history when she was elected to represent the Bablake ward on Friday 3rd May.

The 53-year-old works as a youth mentor and mindset coach and was elected in her second attempt for the seat. She won by 84 votes on a night in which Labor took two more council seats from the Tories, adding to their majority.

Speaking to the audience immediately after being chosen, she said she was “so honoured”. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) today, May 8: “I am the first black woman (councillor). This means that we have paved the way for the younger generations, we have paved the way for women like me that everything is achievable.

READ MORE:

New Coventry councilor elected in Binley and Willenhall

Coventry’s new mayor reveals hopes for a year as he makes history

“I’ve been through a lot in my life and channeled it all into becoming a positive role model and showing other women coming up that yes, we can make a positive impact.” She said she started helping people after going through her own struggles, including surviving domestic abuse.

She said she wanted to be a “visible representative” for everyone in her district of Bablake. Asked about problems in the area, she highlighted bus services to the city centre, dog mess and litter.

The new councilor also stressed the importance of inspiring people “practically”. She said: “My girls campaigned with me for two years and by doing the campaign they became confident, they became bold.”

It comes almost two years after another Coventry councilor achieved a similar milestone. Cllr Seyi Agboola, also Labour, became the city’s first black African councilor when he was elected in Binley and Willenhall in June 2022.

He was also the first black councilor elected to the council in more than 40 years. Cllr Christopher refers to him as her mentor and said he encouraged and helped her.

Cllr Agboola told the LDRS that he had decided to work hard to get a black female councilor after being elected in 2022. “We have made history,” he said.

Get daily headlines and breaking news delivered to you by email – it’s FREE