In 1987, Janet Adegoke made history as the first Black African woman to serve as a mayor in London. As mayor in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, she built a reputation for empathy and community work, supporting causes ranging from sickle cell advocacy to mental health and welfare for the elderly. She was also a founding member of the Africa Link, an initiative created to support Africans in Britain facing loneliness, depression, and social isolation. Colleagues described her as warm but firm, a leader who commanded respect and used her office to bring people together across communities. Less than five months into her tenure, Adegoke died at 47 after a period of illness, cutting short a public service career many believed still had far to go. Her death drew a large, emotional response, with tributes pouring in from across the communities she served.