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
Nano Nagle Place Celebrates Member of Staff’s Recognition by the Lord Mayor of Cork
Cork, Monday, 8th April – Nano Nagle Place is delighted to announce the recognition of Cork Migrant Centre’s Programme Coordinator, Dr Naomi Masheti, as the esteemed recipient of the Lord Mayor’s Community and Voluntary Award in 2024.
Dr Masheti will be recognised, and awarded, on the night of Wednesday 10th April, in Cork City Hall as part of the Lord Mayor’s Civic Awards Ceremony. Dr Masheti will be presented with her award in recognition by Cork City Council for her contribution to the city’s unique generosity of spirit.
Currently a Psychosocial Practitioner at Cork Migrant Centre and a guest lecturer at the School of Psychology, University College Cork, Dr Masheti is an accomplished scholar and a three-time graduate of UCC. She is also the recipient of the UCC 2020 Athena SWAN Equality Award.
CEO of Nano Nagle Place, John Smith, has this to say about Dr Masheti’s recognition,
“on behalf of all of us here at Nano Nagle Place I would like to congratulate Dr Naomi Masheti on this fantastic achievement and well-deserved recognition of her work and contribution to social justice. Naomi is a valued colleague and is a pioneer for a progressive and empowerment driven approach to supporting those who are in need of support. We are immensely proud of Naomi.”
This year marks the 21st edition of the Lord Mayor’s Community Voluntary Awards. More than 600 organisations regularly engage in the community and voluntary sectors, creating a collective togetherness and caring solidarity that defines the spirit of Cork City.
Cllr Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor, offers the following praise
“Cork is a city that values its people, a city that promotes culture, heritage, learning, health & wellbeing. We are a city of engaged neighbourhoods and communities but above all, a city of welcomes. These awards celebrate that welcome and inclusiveness in a myriad of ways.”
Monday, April 22nd, 2024 17.30pm Today Show, RTÉ – Celebrating Nano Nagle as A Gamechanger
On Monday, April 22nd, Today will feature a segment on Nano Nagle as part of its “Gamechangers” series. Nano Nagle, known for her pioneering work in education and social justice in 18th Century Ireland, certainly fits the bill as a gamechanger.
Led by broadcaster Dáithí O Sé and Anton Savage, the interview segment will delve into Nano Nagle’s life and legacy, highlighting her remarkable contributions to society. The segment will reveal Nano Nagle’s vision, her dedication to serving others, and the enduring relevance of her message of compassion and empowerment. Don’t miss this inspiring tribute to a true gamechanger whose legacy continues to inspire and uplift communities around the world.
Monday, 22nd April 2024, 15:00 – 15.45pm, Earth Day Reflection
Join Us. Be inspired by Gregorian Chant in the beautiful Goldie Chapel.
Earth Day provides a space to remind ourselves of the myriad of ways we can contribute to environmental conservation, adopt sustainable practices, and forge impactful connections that will reverberate for generations to come.
Enjoy a space for reflection in the garden, Gregorian chanting and Irish song, and heart-based meditation. Delight in Regina Coeli’s timeless chant and Ag Criost an Siol’s haunting melody, as they weave a tapestry of divine inspiration guiding hearts toward the eternal realms of grace. Arrive by 2:40 PM for registration at the Nano Nagle Place Hub.
Event is free, open to all.
Tea and coffee is also on offer in the new community hub
Friday, 26th April 2024, 11:00 – 11:30am, Nano Nagle Anniversary Reflection Celebrating Light
Engage in a heartfelt experience honouring her memory, and lasting impact. Take part in a reflective walk from the serene Nano Nagle Place gardens to her tomb, embracing her courage and embodying her light. Take part in a special Prayer Ritual and the symbolic lighting of lanterns for hope and unity, paying tribute to Nano Nagle’s legacy.
Arrive by 10:45 AM for registration at the Nano Nagle Place Hub.
Event is free, open to all.
Tea and coffee is also on offer in the new community hub.