February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who led the fight for peace and justice, captured the hearts and minds of people across America, and throughout the world.
In Northern Ireland, Dr. King’s message of equality resonated with the oppressed Catholic community. He inspired the struggle for civil rights that, today, has evolved into an historic era of power-sharing government and peace. All of this can be traced to the influence of one great man who had a dream.
The connections between the Irish and African American communities are strong and historic. And now the Irish Echo has teamed with the Amsterdam News, the nation’s oldest and most widely-read African-American newspaper, to celebrate the bonds between two great American communities.
On September 10, the two newspapers will hold a celebration, “The Black and the Green,” at Bobby Van’s Restaurant in New York City. The evening will honor distinguished community, cultural, and political figures in the African American and Irish American communities. Among the honorees will be people whose mixed African and Irish-American heritage have given them a unique perspective on the challenges facing their respectice communities.
Through The Black and the Green celebration, the Irish Echo and the Amsterdam News will highlight the achievements of leaders in both communities: African American politicians who have backed the peace accords guaranteeing equality for all in Northern Ireland, Irish Americans who are tackling disadvantage and nurturing talent in African American communities, and business leaders who provide opportunity for all.
President Barack Obama, an African American who also claims Irish heritage, now holds the world’s most powerful political office. Many iconic cultural figures including Muhammad Ali, Mariah Carey and Derek Jeter celebrate dual African and Irish heritage. This dual heritage and the so many shared accomplishments deserve to be heralded.
The Irish Echo is accepting nominations for honorees at the inaugural celebration of “The Black and the Green.” Please email suggestions, with a short description of the nominee’s qualifications, to emurphy@irishecho.com.
To explore sponsorship opportunities for this exciting and innovative event, contact Mairead Tully at (212)482-4818 ext. 113 (mtully@irishecho.com) or Tim Daly Bogner at (212)482-4818 ext. 130 (tdaly@irishecho.com).