The B Word!
Join us throughout October to celebrate Black History Month 2022 as we present
The B Word !
The series of events aross London and Dublin includes our Spoken Word sessions “Enough Words” running every Wednesday from 5th October at the London Irish Centre
Work with IAMI facilitators to work towards producing your own piece, and perform it Live to family and friends…
Book your space HERE !
Our Melanin Rising Workshop explores the ingredients, special properties and the making of skin cream.
Come along and make yourself your very own cream to take away…
Book Here !
IAMI Parents group present a sharing of their culture, heritage and excellence at Axis Arts Dublin on the 6th Oct 1pm -3pm . To book please email hello@iamirish.org
Meet Justine Nantale ,Segun Akano, Michael Changa ,
Justine Nantale

Justine Nantale is a creative and dynamic facilitator & development educator with 10 years of experience in delivering
high quality workshops and events, highly competent in coordinating programmes.
She arrived in Ireland in 2003 from Uganda and is the founder of Gomba Educare, a school outreach
programme which tailor’s cultural programmes to schools throughout Ireland, engaging students
through the medium of music, movement, and storytelling at both primary and post-primary levels.
Justine is a founding member and former Musical Director of Discovery Gospel Choir – Ireland’s
leading intercultural choir.
In 2013 she established Rhythm Africana, a musical ensemble which highlights traditional African
styles of music and rhythm. She has worked for Government Education programmes and with several
charities throughout Ireland on fundraising projects.
Website: www.gomba.ie
Segun Akano

Don’t forget to follow us on our Social Media for the most up to date info!
@Iamblirish

LONDON BLIRISH COMMUNITY
JOINS US FOR THE BIG GET TOGETHER
Sunday 11th September 2022 1pm – 4pm
To celebrate our fabulous Summer, we are hosting an afternoon of fun and games for all the family at London’s Hyde park on Sunday 11th Sept .
We would love you to join us, feel free to bring your family and friends.
We cannot wait to bring the #IamI community together once again!
Click here for more information.
Hope to see you there!!!!
If anyone would like support with transport costs or other access needs, please do drop us an email hello@iamirish.org

Previous events
We are really excited to announce COCO in partnership with Axis Arts Ballymun

Premiering online 8pm Tuesday 22nd February via the axis Box office and available to view until Friday 28th February.
I just wanted the shift like every other fifteen year old girl…
Coco tells the story of what it’s like to be a speck of crunchy peanut butter in a smooth strawberry jam. A perfect combo, but to some it just doesn’t look right.
How do you have a love story when who you want to be is defined through the eyes of others ? When assertiveness equals aggression, and moments of feeling less start to define you?
How do you untangle yourself from that maze?
A short film by Lorraine Maher and Axis Ballymun. Filmed by Dewyne Lindsay
FREE TO VIEW. BOOK YOUR DIGITAL PASS VIA LINK BELOW.
Content Advisory: This short film references experiences that some viewers may find distressing. Viewer self care is encouraged.
Lorraine Maher: Artist Biography
Lorraine is an experienced _Maker, Arts Producer and Trainer who works alongside some of the most vulnerable and hidden voices to empower inspirational collaborations and experiences. She has worked internationally to develop pioneering creative programmes that place participants at the heart. Lorraine is Founder and CEO of IAmirish an organisation that connects, advocates, supports and celebrates an inclusive representation of Irishness. Lorraine is a Trauma informed practitioner who has a special interest in work around identity, belonging and representation, mental well-being and social justice.
Social media: T: @iamblirish / @axisballymun

Join our LIVE DJ session with Irelands Favourite DJ Mona Lxsa for our Black History Month Celebrations. Grab your drink and celebrate with us
DJ MONA LXSA 14th Oct 2021 9pm ( Irish TIme ) Join here

Mona Lisa is a DJ, Creative and one of Ireland’s community leaders, having established Gxrl Code in May 2018. A worldwide creative collective that supports and empowers young female creatives.
Working with high profile brands such as Heineken, Pretty little thing, Brown Thomas and playing Irelands biggest festivals such as Electric Picnic, Longitude and Independence.
Mona-Lisa was recently featured on British Vogue and recently received recognition from RTE News, Daily Edge newspaper and FM104 for the outstanding work, empowering and supporting women worldwide.
Check out her SoundCloud
SAturday 16th OCt 2021 6pm – 8pm London Irish Centre 50-52 Camden Square NW19XB
‘Amplify’ is an outdoor celebration of spoken word and art in recognition of Black History Month. A mix of spoken word performances will take place, followed by Lorraine Maher’s highly distinguished #IamIrish exhibition projected onto the facade of our iconic and historic Camden Square residence on Saturday, October 16th.
The #IamIrish exhibition aims to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the Irish community and diaspora. Expect a celebration of culture with speakers and spoken word performances from London and Ireland. Afterwards, go inside and warm up in the friendly Hub bar.
This is a free event.

The Art is Being Seen 23rd Oct 2021

#IAmIrish Portrait Exhibition
Following successful showings in Dublin, New York, London and a variety of locations throughout Ireland and the UK, #IAmIrish comes to Chicago as part of the Irish Books, Art and Music Festival (iBAM!).
#IAmIrish is a collection of simple yet powerful portraits of Irish people. Each of the faces featured in the exhibition is a poignant and direct affirmation of the diversity and beauty of Irishness, both on the Island of Ireland and throughout the global Irish diaspora.
# IAmIrish will be on display during the Irish Books Art and Music (iBAM!) Festival taking palace on Saturday 23rd October between 12 P.M and 8 P.M at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N Knox. Ave, Chicago, IL 60630). IBAM is a free event.
#IAmIrish comes to Chicago though a partnership between Ireland Network Chicago, Irish Community Services and the IBAM! Festival.
The Art of Being Seen Panel Discussion
The Art of Being Seen—Visibility in Irish Arts and Media brings together diverse Irish creatives working across a range of artistic disciplines to explore racial representations of Irishness in the arts and media. Drawing on their collective lived and artistic experiences, our panel will address the challenges, opportunities, and urgency of creating broader and more inclusive representations of being Irish.
Opening remarks will be provided by Consul General of Ireland to Chicago, Kevin Byrne.
Join us in person or online!
Register here for the Live Stream
This panel discussion takes place at 3 P.M. on Saturday 23rd October as part the Irish Books, Art and Music (iBAM!) Festival happening at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630). IBAM! and The Art of Being Seen panel discussion are free events.
The Art of Being Seen— Visibility in Irish Arts and Media is a collaboration between #IAmIrish, Ireland Network Chicago, Irish Community Services and the IBAM! Festival.
Meet the Panelists



Arveene – Dublin /London – Dj / Producer / Booker / Presenter
Lorraine Maher IamIrish Founder , Consultant, _Maker, Producer, Trainer
Ola Majekodunmi Broadcaster & Journalist, Presenter, Gaeilgeoir
Storie Storie – BHM Special with Alim Kamara Saturday 23rd Oct 2021 10am ( Irish Time )

Bring all the family to Join us for Black History Month Stories with the acclaimed Story teller extraordinaire Alim Kamara on our youtube and Facebook channels
HAIR workshops on Sunday 24th October.

Nadine Celeste is a self trained Hair stylist specialising in curly and textured hair. Coming from a Performing arts background, through networking and client referral she had the opportunity to work with many industry professionals. She has over ten years experience in styling, wig making, braids, extensions, and natural looks. You can find her on @celesteyourhair
All workshops will take place on zoom
To book your free place pls email hello@iamirish.org letting us know your preference of workshop .
PLEASE NOTE places are limited. We will let you know if you have been given a place on at least 2 days before the workshop. ( Please do check Junk mail or put us on your safe list )
Workshop 1 12noon – 1pm Introduction to curly and afro hair- textures types Hair care, protective styles and Maintenance Demo on a simple twist Demo on a simple braid Natural hair tutorial Question and Answer | Workshop 2 1.15pm – 2.15pm Introduction to curly and afro hair- textures types Hair care, protective styles and maintenance Demo Cainrow/Cornrow/Dutch braid/French Plait Question and Answer | Workshop 3 2.30pm -3.30pm Introduction to curly and afro hair- textures types Hair care, protective styles and maintenance Demo- How to add extensions Question and Answer |