First Black Deputy Mayor of Camden, London, England

From being a refugee to holding the position of Deputy Mayor

Guest Contributor, UK

A remarkable achievement: Eddie Hanson, a Sierra Leonean refugee, has shattered barriers by becoming the first Black Deputy Mayor of Camden, London, England.

Eddie was elected as councilor in May 2022 and was appointed Deputy Mayor of Camden on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Council's Annual General Meeting.

A native of Sierra Leone he fled the devastating eleven-year civil war that claimed thousands of lives.

‘I was just a child when Sierra Leone was devastated by war. I was captured by one of the militias and taken away for a long time. As a child in war, survival was uncertain. The fear of losing my parents and loved ones was constant,’ recounted Eddie, sharing his experiences from the civil war in Sierra Leone.

A devastating conflict resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives. Eddie's family was among the hundreds of lucky families who managed to flee the war in Sierra Leone, although his brother wasn't so fortunate - he was killed during the war.

‘My family was lucky,’ he said. ‘I’m eternally grateful to my parents and sisters because of their sacrifices.

Eddie is a member of the UK Labour Party, CEO of The Game Changers UK, and a former cabinet adviser, His remarkable journey from councilor to Mayor was far from easy.

As the United Kingdom tightens its borders and immigration laws, Eddie warns that asylum seekers face treacherous journeys before they stand any chance of applying for help from the UK government.