Minister Joe O’Brien marks Black History Month at the Irish Institute of Music and Song in Balbriggan

Black History Month in Ireland was inaugurated in Cork back in 2010, making Ireland only the fourth country in the world to officially honour Black culture and heritage in this way. Throughout October different communities will share and experience each other’s history, arts, culture, and heritage in celebration of Ireland’s diversity.

Speaking about the event, Minister Joe O’Brien said:

“I was delighted to attend the Irish Institute of Music and Song’s event in Balbriggan to celebrate Black History Month last week.

Black History Month in Ireland was inaugurated in Cork back in 2010, making Ireland only the fourth country in the world to officially honour Black culture and heritage in this way. Throughout October different communities will share and experience each other’s history, arts, culture, and heritage in celebration of Ireland’s diversity.

Under the National Action Plan Against Racism, which was launched in March 2023, my Department released funding under various programmes such as the Communities Integration Fund which empowers community-based organisations to advance integration supports and also the International Decade for People of African Descent in Ireland fund which raises awareness and celebrates the rich culture and heritage of people of African descent. I am delighted to see that the IIMS has been awarded funding under both programmes.

Organisations such as the Irish Institute for Music and Song play an important role by promoting and supporting equality and inclusion. It is important that we recognise and bring awareness to the valuable contribution of communities across the country in building the rich tapestry of diversity that exists in Ireland today.”