Council pays tribute to former mayor Sam Springer after his death aged 89

The borough’s first Black mayor, Sam Springer, pictured in the Hackney Herald in 1982. Image: Hackney Council

Hackney’s mayor has paid tribute to one of her predecessors in the role, Sam Springer, who passed away on Monday aged 89.

Caroline Woodley said Mr Springer, Hackney’s first Black mayor and a trailblazing campaigner, was an “inspiration to us all”.

“This is very sad news and the thoughts of everyone at Hackney Council are with his family and friends at this difficult time,” she added.

Mr Springer was born on 30 October 1934 in Barbados, before moving to the UK in the 1950s, when he began working for London Transport, now Transport for London.

He started as a conductor in 1957 and later moved on to driving trolleybuses.

He continued to work for, or with, London Transport for more than 27 years.

In 1968, Mr Springer was elected as a local councillor in Hackney, serving in the borough until 1986.

In 1982, he became the borough’s first Black mayor.

Mayor Woodley acknowledged Mr Springer’s groundbreaking journey from Barbados to London.

“He was a champion of disadvantaged groups across the borough, and advocate of Black and minority businesses,” she said.

In 1976, Mr Springer received an MBE for his services to race and community relations.

Two years later, he was appointed as an additional commissioner to investigate employment policies.

He was also chosen to join the Home Secretary’s Standing Advisory Council on Race, as well as the London Employment Conciliation Committee’s Race Relations Board.

During that time, he campaigned for changes to the 1968 Race Relations Act.

As a Hackney councillor, Mr Springer belonged to several committees, including economic development, finance planning and housing.

Outside of politics, he managed the local Pantonic Steel Orchestra for several years, including taking them on tour and representing Hackney abroad.

In 1984, he was given the Freedom of the City of London—a tradition that recognises an individual’s contribution to the capital—for his work on behalf of disadvantaged communities, particularly visible minorities.

“He championed the borough and wanted everyone to love Hackney. Sam was, and is, an inspiration to us all and will be sorely missed,” said Mayor Woodley.