Sangeeta Waldron speaks to the newly-elected Young Mayor of Enfield, Omari Green

Young Enfield Mayor Omari Green (credit Kaiimages)

In May, Omari Green was elected Young Mayor of Enfield, a role that gives young people a voice in shaping local decision-making. At just 16, Omari now sits on Enfield Youth Council (EYC), working with Enfield Council on issues from education and mental health to public safety and equality. Omari, who lost his brother to knife crime, has made his mission as young mayor clear – to make Enfield safer.

Why did you decide to stand, and what does it mean to you?

My teacher encouraged me, and going through the process made me realise that no matter my age, I have a voice and the power to create change. People say I’m an empath and this role gives me the platform to support and uplift others.

What was the selection process like?

It is similar to a political election. About 40 to 50 young people across Enfield, aged eleven to 25, applied for 20 EYC seats. We attended workshops to prepare speeches, boost our confidence, and develop our ideas. From that, 20 were elected. We then attended a two-day camp to hone our leadership skills and had another vote for chair, deputy chair, youth mayor, and deputy mayor. I was honoured to be elected with the highest number of votes ever! My deputy and I see each other as partners – working together. Our tenure lasts two years.

You’ve spoken about losing your brother to knife crime. How has that shaped your path

into leadership?

Losing my brother changed everything. He was my favourite sibling. I was only nine and didn’t understand it at the time. Over the years, seeing my family and his friends cope in different ways, I realised I had a choice: let this pain define me negatively, or channel it into something positive.

I chose to build something in his memory. I know he’s proud of me. I want to show others affected by violence that they can rise above it and turn trauma into power.

Mental health is a concern for young people. What changes would you like to see locally?

Kids are often told to “talk to a trusted adult” but it’s not always clear who that is or how to reach them. And when we do speak up, our voices can get misrepresented. We need systems where young people can be heard directly, without their message getting lost. Mental health help must be more efficient from recognising a problem to getting support. The process needs to be quicker and more responsive.

Enfield is incredibly diverse. How do you plan to ensure all young people feel heard?

I’ve started sending surveys to schools and visited Edmonton County School to speak with year ten students about their concerns. I want to create regular opportunities for young people to speak directly with me. It’s important everyone knows how to reach me. I may only have two years in this role, but I want to create a strong foundation the next youth mayor can build on.

What’s one key change you want to achieve during your time in office?

My name is Omari Green – green is the colour of safety. I want to be the voice of safety for the youth. It’s one of those issues that can be continuously improved; the more you do, the better it gets. In Enfield, I want kids to feel safe riding their bikes, walking home from school, living their lives without fear.

The previous youth mayor introduced a great initiative, a chip that young people could scan in certain local shops to alert emergency services if they felt unsafe. It’s helped, particularly young women. I want to enhance this scheme. I’m also looking into cost-effective street lighting and more safe spaces where young people can hang out.

What do you hope to do in the future?

I just finished my GCSEs and I’m hoping to study politics at sixth form or college. I want to go to university, but I’ve also built a platform I can keep growing, with or without formal education. Still, I see A Levels and a degree as an investment in myself. I want to become a member of parliament, and perhaps one day, prime minister. Politics is one path. I’ll always use my voice – as a speaker, activist or leader – to help improve lives.

Do you feel drawn to any political party?

I recently sat in on a parliamentary session and saw both Labour and Conservative representatives in action. They both have good ideas and flaws. I think as we get older, we realise that being divided isn’t the way ahead. I’m hoping that one day I can unify both parties. It’s a long shot!

What would you call that party?

Maybe… The Equality Party of the United Kingdom? It’s all about unity.

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LocalMotion Enfield has partnered with Enfield Dispatch to share local voices and stories

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