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Anna Lo 'not just a colleague but a friend'

Bernie Allen
BBC News NI
Pacemaker Lo is smiling at the camera. She had short brown hair and is wearing a navy cardigan with a red shirt underneath.Pacemaker
Alliance assembly member Anna Lo died in November 2024

A special event to celebrate the life and legacy of former Alliance assembly member Anna Lo has taken place at Queen's University, Belfast.

She died in November of last year following complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Justice Minister Naomi Long and Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray were among those who spoke at the service at Elmwood Hall.

Long, the Alliance leader, said Lo was "not just a colleague but a friend".

"I still yearn for her directness, wit and humour," Long added.

The celebration included performances of traditional Chinese dance, music and painting to reflect Lo's passion for art and culture.

Pacemaker A man holding a Chinese dragon costume in the air. The dragon is white red and green in colour and the man is wearing a yellow top and red trousers.Pacemaker
A traditional Chinese dragon performance took place

Born in Hong Kong, Lo moved to Northern Ireland in 1974.

She was the first ethnic-minority politician elected to Stormont, and the first Chinese person to be elected to a legislative parliament in western Europe.

She was first elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2007, representing south Belfast for the Alliance Party.

She was re-elected five years later and served until her retirement in 2016.

Owen, left, is looking at the camera, he is wearing a white top with a black blazer over it. He has brown hair tied back. Conall, right, is wearing a dark coloured suit and red tie. He has a goatee-style beard. They are standing beside a black and white photo of Anna Lo.
Owen and Conall Watson, Lo's sons, paid tribute to their mother

Speaking at the event, Lo's son, Conall Watson, said his mother was a remarkable woman and he wanted to celebrate her legacy.

Her other son, Owen Watson, also said he wanted to not just look backwards at his mother's life but also forwards to see how her work continues.

"She stood for many causes and represented diversity," he said.

Pacemaker Long has ginger shoulder length hair and is wearing a white and black patterned top. She is standing in front of a microphone.Pacemaker
Naomi Long addressed the event

'She paved the way'

Pacemaker Two women dressed in traditional Chinese red and white dress. They are holding yellow fans with painted flowers on them. Pacemaker
Traditional Chinese performances were dedicated to Anna Lo

Long said: "At a time when immigration is such a diverse issue how powerful it is to acknowledge Anna chose this place to be her home and community."

She added that Lo "was more than just her work".

"She was a published author and gifted artist," she said.

"She paved the way for others in minority backgrounds to participate and contribute.

"Anna Lo was truly good."

Ms Tandon is looking at the camera. She is wearing glasses and has shoulder length brown hair. She is wearing a navy blue dress with a cream shawl over her shoulder.
Nisha Tandon, CEO of ArtsEkta, attended the event

Nisha Tandon, chief executive of ethnic arts group ArtsEkta, said: "I will remember Anna as a good friend and colleague, a great visionary - and a beautiful, humble lady."

Murray is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a grey blazer and black t-short. He is also wearing the ceremonial chain of office.
Belfast Lord Mayor, Micky Murray, also highlighted Lo's contributions

Murray, an Alliance councillor, also spoke of the contribution Lo made to society.

"It's incredibly important we remember Anna's contribution in not just politics, but the wider community sector and the legacy she leaves in the city."

During his speech Murray said Lo was a fierce opponent of racism and discrimination.

He added how much she is missed by all in the Alliance party.

"She was a true community champion and a force of nature," he said.

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