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Discover the lives of twelve awesome icons in this illustrated celebration of Black Irish identity for young readers.
Following the Irish Book Award-winning Black & Irish: Legends, Trailblazers & Everyday Heroes, author and Black & Irish co-founder Leon Diop returns with a new non-fiction picture book.
Black & Irish: Awesome Icons tells the story of twelve inspirational Black Irish people, including record-breaking sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke, NASA scientist Fig O’Reilly and world champion Irish dancer Elliot Kwelele.
Includes a foreword by actress Ruth Negga.
"An informative tribute to Black Irish heroes past and present with hopeful messages for those yet to come." — Kirkus Reviews
"Offers a history of black Irish people in an accessible and engaging style." – Irish Independent "A powerful and important book." — Irish Independent
"One I wish I had on my own bookshelf as a kid." – The Irish Times "I believe everyone could benefit from reading this." — Paper Lanterns
"These short, engaging biographies will enlighten and inspire." — Booklist
Leon Diop is from Tallaght, Ireland. Born to a White Irish mother and Senegalese father, he grew up in a mixed ethnic and religious household. He is the founder of the Black & Irish advocacy group, host of the Black & Irish podcast, activist, educator, public speaker, and was an Obama Foundation European Leader from 2024 to 2025.
Grace Enemaku is an award-winning, Nigerian-Irish multidisciplinary designer & illustrator who creates branding and illustration for the unconventional. Her work is filled with bright colours, playful motifs and features a diverse array of characters. She co-founded DesignOpp, an IDI initiative to champion diversity for people of colour in the Irish design and creative industry.
Foreword by Ruth Negga, actress
- Elliot Kwelele, Irish dancing champion
- Fig O'Reilly, Miss Universe Ireland and NASA scientist
- Jay & Miracle, disability activists and podcasters
- Boidu Sayeh, GAA star
- Katja Miaa, TV and radio presenter
- Rhasidat Adeleke, Ireland's fastest woman
- Beryl Ohas, LGBTQIA+ activist
- Andrew Omobamidele, Ireland footballer
- Emer O'Neill, TV presenter and basketball player
- Aby Coulibaly, singer