Brixton Hill Councillor - Betty Evans-Jacas

Betty Evans-Jacas

Betty Evans-Jacas has been Labour Councillor for Brixton Hill Ward since May 2006:

When and why did you first become interested in politics?
My first involvement in politics was as a young child, living with my grandmother in the South of the United States, where she was actively involved in rural counties where federal food distribution and public health programmes were part of the way of life. As a midwife she travelled the surrounding counties and became an advocate for those who were less fortunate and was also involved in church politics - a medium in the Black communities in the South for organising community activities, campaigns and community support initiatives.

As a representative of her church and supporter of integration in schools, she was involved in a number of related activities, in which I, also, became involved; as I went everywhere I could with her.

Together, we attended school meetings, marches and public meetings, arguing, not just in words, but also by our presence that all children were equally entitled to the same investment in education and the benefits of community programmes.

Whilst at university I became involved in a wide variety of political activities and held numerous political posts. This led me to become involved in local and national party political activities.

What inspired you to become a councillor?
I was involved in organising a local Labour Party project called Integrated Voices, which was encouraging more BME Party members to put themselves forward as candidates, so it seemed like a natural step. I had been badgering the council from an external position for a number of years and so I thought there would be an opportunity to do more if I was a councillor.

Has it been worth it?
Absolutely. It's been a great experience so far.

What’s your greatest fear and your greatest hope?
My greatest fear is that Labour won't be able to make all the changes in Lambeth that are so badly needed. My greatest hope is that we will be able to make that real difference to all our communities.

What’s the first thing you would do if you ruled the world for a day?
I would make all human beings tolerant of the differences between us all.

What single thing would most improve your area?
I would redevelop and reshape Brixton Market to make it more attractive and bring in more shoppers.

What fictional character do you identify with, and why?
Brer Rabbit - because he manages to run in and out of the burrows and get lots done!

What’s your favourite film?
Gone with the Wind

What does your council do particularly well?
I think all of the parks in Lambeth are particularly well kept. I'm often very proud when I walk through them.

What do you consider your greatest political triumph?
I think it would be the success of the Integrated Voices project which I was involved in. It means that the Labour councillors on Lambeth council is now far more representative of the borough we are elected to serve.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
There was a surprise party organised for me by some people in the local community after the recent elections. I was very embarrassed - but in a good way!

What is the biggest problem with local government today?
Lack of community engagement

How would you solve it?
I would continue to enlist the help and advice of people from communities that have been ignored too often in the past. We must widen the field of people that the council communicates with.

Who is your political hero, and why?
Martin Luther King because, out of nothing, he changed the whole face of American society. By leading the civil rights movement with the power of his faith in what was right, he convinced people that things had to change.

When and where are you most happy?
In church on Sunday morning because that is the only time I can get some peace!

What’s your theme song, and why?
“Amazing Grace” because it makes me believe that people can change the world through the strength of their beliefs.

What one book would you take with you to a desert island?
Management and Organisational behaviour by Laurie J. Mullins, because I'd have to work how to manage all my time on the island!

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