Valda James

blackpresence

Valda James was born in Jamaica and moved to England in 1961 as part of the Windrush generation. James first worked in catering and dressmaking to support her family of which she was a single parent, before becoming a nurse with the British Red Cross. James became the first black woman elected to Islington Council in 1986 and became mayor two years later. In order to support herself financially, James worked from 5:30 am as a cleaning supervisor, before the start of her working day as Mayor.

Her granddaughter noted:

“I remember her telling me that even when she was in that privileged and well-earned position of Mayor, she didn’t believe she deserved to be in the room. […] It is an important reminder to me as a black woman artist to always have the confidence to know that I deserve to be heard. I want that message to be heard by many.”

James is indeed an inspirational figure, leaving a big cultural impact on Islington and the wider world. Not only has she made history, but she continues to inspire generations of black women today.