Black & Irish: Legends, Trailblazers & Everyday Heroes by Leon Diop & Briana Fitzsimons

Black & Irish: Legends, Trailblazers & Everyday Heroes is a non-fiction book that shines a light on prominent Black Irish individuals from various fields such as entertainment, politics, sports, business, and the arts. This significant release in Irish history marks a joyful recognition of Black Irish heritage. The book delves deeply into the lives of 25 individuals of Black and mixed-race heritage from various regions of Ireland.

Each chapter presents a detailed profile, featuring notable figures such as Ruth Negga, Gavin Bazunu, Phil Lynott, Paul McGrath, Emma Dabiri, Rhasidat Adeleke and Dami Hope, and informative footnotes. Brief sections acknowledge other noteworthy individuals.

This book is a fascinating read. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a day. The illustrations are vivid and captivating, making it visually engaging. What’s particularly innovative is the inclusion of a barcode on the back, allowing you to scan for Black Irish tunes. The only drawback I could identify was the placement of the additional sections within the chapters, right in the middle, which somewhat disrupted my immersion in the chapter. However, this is more of a minor observation than a significant issue.
This book is intended for a teenage audience, but I recommend this to individuals of all generations and backgrounds, regardless of who you are. I believe everyone could benefit from reading this. It holds significant importance, as the stories within its pages are both vital and deserving of a wider audience.

MC, 17