Our Mission

The African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN) connects African Americans with Ireland, Northern Ireland, andthe global Irish diaspora through shared heritage, culture, and collaboration. With nearly 40% of African Americans having ancestry according to some estimates, AAIDN fosters meaningful partnerships that celebrate this legacy while advancing education, innovation and entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.

 
 
542B9E8E-8EBA-4773-8887-3F2814DFFF47_4_5005_c.jpeg

Our Journey

Coming to these shores under radically different circumstances, African and Irish histories in America overlap in many ways. As with America itself, the relationship between African and Irish Americans was complex. The links between the two cultures would have a profound impact on America and the world in unique and lasting ways, many stories of which have gone untold. The overlapping cultural influences produced bluegrass music and tap dance, along with people like Frederick Douglass, Beyonce, Barack and Michelle Obama, Muhammad Ali, Alicia Keys, and Patrick Francis Healey. There is also a rich, shared history of legendary leadership to achieve social justice and civil rights for all people. These are the stories we want to tell, and the the shared heritage and culture we want to build on.

 
 

I can truly say, I have spent some of the happiest moments of my life since landing in this country. I seem to have undergone a transformation. I live a new life.

Frederick Douglass, as he was concluding his historic stay in Ireland in 1845

 
 
1522339F-0C2D-495C-8B98-7E1F5D743D77_4_5005_c.jpeg

Connecting our Heritage and our future

AAIDN provides a framework for the exchange of information, research, exploration and connection; a forum for discussion of mutual cultural, social and political interests; collaboration in entrepreneurship, science and technology between African Americans and Ireland, and a pathway for deeper engagement in our journey forward.