–UK Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas
Councillor Susan Olajumoke Fajana- Thomas is an accomplished British politician of Nigerian descent who has established herself as a prominent community campaigner with over 20 years of experience. She is a Member of Hackney Council and the former civic Mayor of the borough.
Susan moved to North East London many years ago from Nigeria following a successful career as a Presenter/Producer with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Popularly known as SFT, she has mentored and supported other Africans to becoming activists and politicians. The first ethnic minority person and woman to become the Chair of Hackney North and Stoke Newington Constituency Labour Party.
Susan is the founder of SFT Foundation Trust, a charity supporting families in the UK and Lilac Lilly in Nigeria. In this interview with Effects, she talks about life as a politician in the UK, her foundation and lots more.
What are the objectives of your foundation?
SFT Foundation’s core objectives are to: promote and enable conversation on issues affecting Black Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in the UK; to support families, with a focus on vulnerable children and using mentoring programme to help raise young people’s aspiration. Our Nigeria project is delivery of baby gift box to new born to help ensure that every child is given the best possible bright beginnings.
What is Black History Month all about?
Black History Month is marked annually in the UK during the month of October and in the USA during the month of February. Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month in America, is celebrated in the United States, Canada, Netherlands and United Kingdom. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” that began in America in 1926 to acknowledge the history of black people, their accomplishments and contributions to society. It was first observed in the United Kingdom in 1987, so we are celebrating the 30th anniversary this year. During Black History Month, we remember and celebrate the important people from the past, as well as people who are contributing to and helping our society today. The month usually witnesses many events including seminars, community events, film screening and school activities.
Is it the first outing of SFT Foundation Trust in the UK?
No, we have been working in the community for over a year. However, we decided to combine our “History of Now” seminar with the official launch this year.
Would you like to come home (Nigeria) someday to be part of the polity?
Yes, I would love to contribute to governance in Nigeria, although the adjustment will be challenging. Moving back to Nigeria will be a challenge. I desperately wish Nigerian politicians will put our people first and put an end to the vicious cycle of poor health, poverty and social exclusion.
Can you tell us precisely how the journey has been so far?
It has been good, all glory to God. Lots of challenges, I have driven into many potholes but I have also pulled myself out of many potholes. God is good.
You play a predominant role as a female politician in the UK, at what point in your life did you decide to go into politics?
I am delighted and I give God the glory for what I have achieved both in my personal and public lives. I’m grateful to my political party and the opportunity. Politics was not my first call when I moved to the UK, but I joined the Labour Party because I’m a socialist and I saw the need to contribute to my community. Everywhere I turned I found the need for a strong voice amongst those who I lived with. The call was persistent and in the last 20 years I have committed myself to contributing and having positive impact on my community.
Any discrimination because of your race?
Oh yes there is racism, although we no longer see signs of “no blacks, no Irish, no dogs”. Racism is not as overt as it was 50 or even 27 years ago when I first moved to the UK. Today many people both White and Black are speaking out against racism, but we are not there yet. In the last two years, we have seen a rise in far right groups around the world, racist offensive is sweeping Europe, with governments and the right-wing media using migrants, refugees and Muslims as scapegoats for an economic crisis and wars they did not create. In the UK, the Race Relations Act was passed 52 years ago, outlawing the racist discrimination that was the daily experience of ethnic minorities. I am a member of an organisation called Stand Up To Racism in the UK. We are activists that oppose racism, Islamophobia, and anti-Semitism.
What has life taught you as a person?
To be fair, to respect others and more importantly to give back to the society. In Charles De Lint’s words, “Every time you do a good deed you shine the light a little farther into the dark. And the thing is, when you’re gone, that light is going to keep shining on, pushing the shadows back.”
How do you unwind?
Spending time with my family and friends is important. I also like eating out, that’s not doing me good with all the weight gain. I also enjoy my ME time, when I shut down, no emails, no phone or social media, just stay indoors.
Then what is your kind of style?
I’m dramatic, flamboyant and sophisticated. I’m a trained Image Consultant, so, in a way, I love people who are well put together. When it comes to style, the most important thing is to understand your body shape and know the silhouettes that will always flatter you. Looking good exudes success!
Where is your favourite holiday spot?
In Nigeria, it’s definitely Lagos, but outside Nigeria, it’s Paris.
What do you miss about Nigeria ?
My family and friends.