Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A landmark publication in Irish history; this is a celebration of Black Irish identity.Published in collaboration with the organisation of the same name, Black & Irish, who were founded in June 2020 coinciding with the Black Lives Matter movement.Actors.Athletes.Activists.Style icons.Scientists.Influencers.Entrepreneurs.Black Irish people are blazing trails in every sphere of modern life.In the first ever book about Black Irish people, we take a look at the inspirational careers, dreams and achievements of legends, trailblazers and everyday heroes, including actor Ruth Negga, soccer player Gavin Bazunu, reality tv star Dami Hope, author Emma Dabiri, record-breaking sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke and musician Phil Lynott.Within these pages, you will find both famous and unsung Black Irish people. Black and Mixed-Race people have lived in Ireland for hundreds of years, but even now the concept of being Black and Irish is still being discovered and discussed. We hope the stories of the legends, trailblazers and everyday heroes in this book will inspire young Black Irish people, and provide insight into the Black Irish experience to people from all walks of life.With stunning colour illustrations by Jessica Louis.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Introduction (8)
• Fig O'Reilly (13)
• Elliot Kweiele (21)
• Ruth Negga (27)
• Paul McGrath (33)
• Christine Buckley (39)
• Dr Monica Peres Oikeh (45)
• Boidu Sayeh (51)
• Beryl Ohas (57)
• Gavin Bazunu (63)
• Emma Dabiri (69)
• Dr Phil Mullen (77)
• Monjola (83)
• Ola Majekodunmi (91)
• Manni the Barber (97)
• Mamobo Ogoro (103)
• Phil Lynott (111)
• Blessing Dada (117)
• Lawson Mpame (123)
• Yemi Adenuga (129)
• Patrick Martins (137)
• Rhasidat Adeleke (143)
• Jude Hughes (149)
• Emer O'Neiil (155)
• Dr Ebun Joseph (163)
• Dami Hope (167)
• Acknowledgements (172)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Booklist Review

This much-needed book, based on an Irish organization with the same name, profiles more than 50 famous (and less famous) Black Irish individuals and reveals their impact on an increasingly diverse Ireland. Both long and short entries showcase athletes, actors, scientists, activists, musicians, and others. Notable individuals include Ruth Negga, Academy Award-nominated actress; Fig O'Reilly, Miss Universe Ireland; Elliot Kwelele, Irish dancing champion; Rhasidat Adeleke, record-breaking sprinter; Paul McGrath, footballer; and Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott. Many are of Nigerian-Irish descent due to the long-standing historical ties between the countries. Some were born in Mother-and-Baby Homes for unwed women and attended industrial schools, similar to Canada and the U.S.' American Indian residential schools, where students experienced racism and neglect. Each of the 25 longer profiles has a quote from its subject, accompanied by a colorful portrait by illustrator Louis. From talking about the offensive "Where are you really from?" question to their subjects' identity struggles, these short, engaging biographies will enlighten and inspire.

Kirkus Book Review

Twenty-five profiles of notable figures, presented by Diop, the founder of the organization Black and Irish, and team member Fitzsimons, introduce readers to a shifting national identity. A common refrain throughout the profiles, which are matched with shorter pieces about other significant people, is that the Black Irish community is still being developed and formed. The book also highlights people--such as Oscar-nominated actress Ruth Negga and influential activist and tailor Jude Hughes--who've been working for many years to ensure that the contributions of Black Irish people are acknowledged and to help change society for new generations. Each mini biography details the subject's experiences with growing up in Ireland or moving to and living there. The strongest sections allow space for the featured person to explore their hopes for the future of Black people in Ireland (especially youths who are coming up in the wake of significant social justice movements, such as the 2020 protests against George Floyd's murder) and to expand on the resilience necessary to keep moving forward. Related quick facts are peppered in text boxes throughout, such as the definition of microaggressions and information about the West African Yoruba ethnic group. Louis' colorful portraits open each segment, celebrating the varied backgrounds represented by these figures. An informative tribute to Black Irish heroes past and present with hopeful messages for those yet to come. (Nonfiction. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Leon Diop is a 28-year-old mixed-race man from Dublin, Ireland. Born to an Irish mother and a Senegalese father, he grew up in a mixed ethnic and religious household. He is the founder of Black and Irish, an organisation striving to transform Ireland into a global leader in equality and inclusion. He is a host of the Black and Irish podcast with Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ.

Briana Fitzsimons grew up in Yonkers, NY, USA, and has lived in Ireland since 2017. She has been a teacher for 12 years and also holds degrees in English and Creative Writing. Briana joined the Black and Irish team in 2021 and has been working to make schools across the country more inclusive for all students. She lives in Co Kildare with her partner and two children and is proud to call Ireland home.

Jessica Louis is an independent illustrator from Nigeria, whose work features bright colorful characters, shapes and scenes that speak to the emotions at the edges and in the core of our lived experience. She has exhibited with DesignOpp in Dublin, Fresco in Paris and published in Totally Dublin. She's represented by Studio BLVCK and together they paving a new path for independent black creatives across the world.