"An informative tribute to Black Irish heroes past and present with hopeful messages for those yet to come." – Kirkus Reviews

"These short, engaging biographies will enlighten and inspire."  – Booklist

"A well-researched and fascinating read, presented in an educational and approachable manner befitting of its target upper YA audience." – YA Books Central

"One I wish I had on my own bookshelf as a kid." – The Irish Times

"A powerful and important book." –  Irish Independent

"I believe everyone could benefit from reading this."  –  Paper Lanterns

"The reality  of being Black and Irish is portrayed in here as well as the brilliant celebratory stories of amazing people."   – Elaina Ryan, Children's Books Ireland

"... perfect for someone who's enjoyed the Rebel Girls but has grown out of them ...The art is a huge part of how effective the book is ... It's a great read." – Read and Reviewed

"I really enjoyed reading the life stories of those featured. The profiles reflect a changing Ireland and that the Black & Irish community have positively contributed to the sporting, artistic and cultural fabric of Irish life. The challenges facing any minority are evident and the aspiration of being part of, is well described."  – Goodreads Review

"I ate this up ... This is perfect for young readers 12+ and teens as it highlights many different areas: activism, hair care, science, influencing, education, media and sports. Plus, the tiny colourful information /index areas are beneficial so you can stay connected to the text without having to google words that may be unknown."   – ***** NetGalley Reader Review

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.

Contents

Introduction page 8
Fig O’Reilly:  Miss Universe Ireland and NASA Datanaut, page  13
Elliot Kwelele: Irish dancing champion, page 21
Ruth Negga: A Black actress in Hollywood, page 27
Paul McGrath: Professional footballer,  page 33
Christine Buckley: Justice campaigner for survivors of state institutions, page 39
Dr Monica Peres Oikeh: Doctor and social media star,  page 45
Boidu Sayeh: Gaelic football player, page 51
Beryl Ohas: LGBTQIA+ activist, page 57
Gavin Bazunu: Ireland's number 1, page 63
Emma Dabiri: writer and historian, page 69
Dr Phil Mullen: Black studies lecturer at Trinity College Dublin, page 77
Monjola: Musical artist, page 83
Ola Majekodunmi: Irish-language media star page 91
Manni the Barber: Afro hair specialist page 97
Mamobo Ogoro: Founder of GORM, page 103
Phil Lynott: Rock star, page 111
Blessing Dada: Mental health and disability activist, page 117
Lawson Mpame: Style icon, page 123
Yemi Adenuga: Ireland's first Black female councillor, page 129
Patrick Martins: Actor, page 137
Rhasidat Adeleke: Record breaking-sprinter, page 143
Jude Hughes: Diversity activist, page 149
Emer O’Neill: Teacher, tv presenter and activist, page 155
Dr Ebun Joseph: Founder of the first Black Studies course in Ireland, page 163
Dami Hope: Love Island contestant and celebrity influencer, page 167
Acknowledgements page 172