Youth-Led Anti Racist Summit 17th May 1pm to 5pm Cork City Millennium Hall
Cork City will host the second annual youth-led anti-racism summit, positioning itself at the forefront of key regional and international developments. Building on last year’s success, the Cork Migrant Centre Youth Initiative Against Racism laid the foundation for this year’s Youth Led Anti-Racism Summit: participants, performers, and policymakers, united to address racism in personal and professional spheres. The summit, to be launched by Cork Lord Mayor, Councillor Kieran McCarthy, and hosted by Cork City Council, continues this important work.
This pioneering event is created by young people with the support of the Cork Children and Young Peoples’ Committee, an interagency joint planning committee, working to improve outcomes for all children and young people in Cork and proudly supported by Nano Nagle Place.
The summit will feature keynote speakers from various sectors of the community, with a focus on educational impacts on young people. This includes spotlighting teachers from Millstreet Community School and Sacred Heart Secondary School Clonakilty, celebrating their significant contributions as highlighted by their students. Jannett Walker from the UK, CEO of Anti Racist Cumbria, will discuss her organisation’s successes and anti-racist efforts, offering insights on how similar strategies might be implemented here in Ireland. Additionally, Deirdre Horgan, Professor of Education at UCC, will address the importance of active listening to young people and discuss the Lundy model of participation.
One of the lead organisers, Leen Maarouf, a Palestinian woman and anti-racist development worker at Cork Migrant Centre in Nano Nagle Place says
“This summit empowers youth to confront systemic racism in Ireland. It will focus on the pressing issues of the Direct Provision system that significantly affect young refugees, migrants, and minority communities, including Travellers and LGBTQ+ individuals. Recent incidents of discrimination, and the shortfall in public investments in these communities, underline the necessity for this event. We hope this summit will provide ‘a brave space’ that offers radical possibilities for young people to shift power dynamics and express themselves creatively.”
The Cork Migrant Centre at Nano Nagle Place, with a strengths-based and Human Rights perspective, has taken a radical approach to collaboration. They have brought together a diverse group of marginalised young people, including migrants, Travellers, Roma youth, and LGBTQI+ youth. Their aim is to advocate for transformative justice, in alliance with like-minded individuals and organisations in Cork and beyond, to make Cork an anti-racist county. Supported by their youth mentors, they have created, and will perform, a series of creative performances, including spoken word, drama, and dance. Through these mediums, they will share their stories and experiences of racism and inequality, providing the audience with a rare opportunity to truly hear the voices of diverse young people, their strengths and struggles.
Raphael Olympio, a lead Youth Mentor and Co-ordinator at Cork Migrant Centre, Nano Nagle Place says
“Over the past few years and months, I have had the privilege of working closely with young people. Their stories, insights, and strategies to combat racism have been truly eye-opening and encouraging. Their resilience in the face of adversity and unwavering determination to create a more inclusive society are constant sources of inspiration. The future looks better, especially if the people of Cork get on board with this initiative.”
As Cork hosts this significant youth-led summit, it not only addresses pressing issues of racism and discrimination but also showcases the active steps being taken towards a more inclusive and equitable society. The engagement and advocacy of young people at this summit pave the way for a future where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated. This event stands as a testament to ongoing efforts and the potential for transformative change, ensuring that the voices of youth are central in shaping the policies and practices that will define tomorrow’s Ireland and beyond.
Who will be there:
Service Providers, Policy makers and Politicians will be in attendance including Representative from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, Tusla, An Garda Siochana, Youth and Community organisations, including YMCA, CDYS, UCC, MTU, Schools, National Association for Principals and Deputy Principles and the Irish Primary Principals Network.
Supporters
This youth led summit is supported by:
Youth Initiative against Racism and Children
Young Peoples Services Committee (CYPSC) – Antiracism toolkit in process