By Eileen Chan-Hu, Chair of Migrant and Minority Ethnic Thinktank.
On behalf of the Migrant and Minority Ethnic Thinktank, I would like to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Anna Lo, former MLA for South Belfast.
My first encounter with Anna was when she served as an interpreter for the police. As a youth member of the Chinese Welfare Association, I reached out to Anna to borrow traditional Chinese dresses for a cultural fashion show I was organizing. She graciously offered me her wedding dress along with another unworn dress, insisting that I keep them!
Anna was exceptionally talented and made history with her impactful work. From being the first minority ethnic social worker in Northern Ireland to the first elected representative of the Northern Ireland Assembly from a minority ethnic background.
During my time as the Education Liaison Officer at CWA in the 90s, I vividly remember Anna supervising the Chinese Lay Health Project, a collaboration between Barnardo’s and CWA in the 1990s. Incidentally, Julie Chiang, whom she supervised, is the current CEO of Chinese Welfare Association. Later, Anna took on the role of Chief Executive of the Chinese Welfare Association, where she tirelessly advocated for race relations. Anna was involved in numerous committees, and as community development efforts progressed, I had the privilege of becoming the Community Development Manager after Deborah Gadd, who previously shared the role with Eleanor McKnight. Anna encouraged staff to participate in various committees as a means for professional growth, allowing me to engage in many initiatives, including the South Belfast Partnership Board and an event featuring Bill Clinton. One of Anna’s significant roles was Chair of the South Belfast Roundtable Against Racism, working with Denise Wright, a position I would later assume thanks to Anna.
Anna’s leadership skills and commitment to societal inclusion naturally transitioned her into politics. In 2014, she was selected as the Alliance Party's candidate for the Northern Ireland constituency in the European Parliament elections, achieving the highest percentage of votes for her party at that time. Throughout her political journey, Anna endured horrific racist abuse, particularly in 2014, a year marked by a surge in racist incidents. Her stance on all-Ireland unification made her a focal point of controversy during the Giro cycling event. By the time I took over as CEO of CWA seven years after Anna had left, she had paved the way for me in her role. She provided invaluable personal and professional guidance, sharing her meticulously organized files and offering insights on leadership as a woman. I recall her encouraging words that while I would find my own path, I would do so with my unique approach.
In the summer of 2014, our paths crossed again. Anna and I spoke together at a peace rally against racism that drew an impressive crowd of over 10,000 at Belfast City Hall. The photographs from that day captured our hope for a future free from hatred, reinforced by the overwhelming support for love and peace.
Anna’s leadership was instrumental in establishing the Chinese Resource Centre and Sheltered Housing for the Chinese Elderly. She spearheaded a 16-year campaign for the Chinese Community Centre, with substantial backing and support from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Management Committee. I was fortunate to finalize funding and encourage the Board to realize the Centre. Sadly, Anna was unwell and unable to attend the launch in September 2011. However, I often ran into her at the annual Chinese New Year gala events at the Europa Hotel or Ulster Hall as we were VIP guests of Danny Wong MBE and Alan Lui.
This past Chinese New Year at Europa was no exception; we shared a table filled with joy as we welcomed the Year of the Dragon. Anna, born in the Year of the Tiger, radiated happiness alongside her partner, Robert, and it was a beautiful moment I will always cherish. That day turned out to be the last time I saw her. In September of this year, we had invited Anna to speak at our event at Stormont, recognizing her incredible contributions to Northern Ireland’s political landscape, but she was unable to attend.
Anna Lo inspired countless individuals, including Kate Nicholl MLA, Cathy Curran, and Paula Bradshaw MLA, among others. She was honoured with an MBE for her services to minority ethnic communities and received an Honorary Doctorate from Open University. It is bittersweet that she was awarded a lifetime achievement accolade at the Minorities Recognition Awards in Northern Ireland this October.
I am grateful that we recorded a video and podcast featuring Anna, where she shared her insights on race relations with my colleague Maurice Macartney.
Her contributions to our podcast series will remain treasured. Anna also published her autobiography, “The Place I Call Home: From Hong Kong to Belfast - My Story,” edited by Michelle Griffin for Colourpoint Books. A memorial service will be held for Anna Lo on a later date and the family have chosen three charities close to Anna’s heart t contribute to, Women’s Aid, Belfast City of Sanctuary and Artsekta, on www.annalo.info
On behalf of our Honorary Advisor, founder and past Chairperson Alfred Abolarin, Professor Dina Bellugi, Ola Sobieraj, Maurice Macartney, Delwyn Thomas, and myself, Eileen Chan-Hu, our thoughts are with her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Anna will be profoundly missed.
Rest in peace, Anna Lo.
Eileen Chan-Hu, Chair of Migrant and Minority Ethnic Thinktank.
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