F or over 15 years, the Irish and Montserratian communities have joined for a celebration of the immigrant and minority experience in Boston. On April 27, the Black and Green came together yet again for an evening rich with food, music, dancing, and lively discussions. Hosted by the Irish Immigration Center and the Montserrat Aspirers, the Black and Green has become an important event for both communities.

“This was certainly my favorite Black and Green,” commented Gobnait Conneely of IIC. “The day is all about community building and maintaining strong relationships with our neighbors. What better way to do that than through excellent speakers, great food, and celebrating.”

Councilor Yancey presented the Black and Green organizers with a citation from Boston City Council honoring the achievement of IIC and the Montserrat Aspirers. The citation commended the organizations for “sharing their heritage to mend divisions between historically divided communities by giving personal reflection to the ways that opportunity, dignity, and empowerment have strengthened the voice of the immigrants and people of color in America.”

Several inspirational speakers gave a historical and personal perspective to the theme of the event, “Ode to America: Opportunity, Dignity, Empowerment”. Jean McGuire of the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Inc. and Nancy Murray of the ACLU spoke candidly about creating fertile grounds for social change in our own community.

“We chose this theme because it brings to light our national values and the importance of ensuring that these values are attainable by all people residing in the US,” explains IIC Lead Organizer, Carrie Burke. “This year’s speakers had very inspiring words to share.”

Nancy Murray, a social activist in the US, Great Britain and Kenya, started the discussion with a historical perspective on race relations and civil rights by examining the US slave trade and British colonization. She spoke of the dehumanizing effects of oppression and the role of social movements to regain power and dignity.

Jean McGuire shared her family history and personal mission to create educational opportunities for young people. As a descendent of a freed slave and Irish chambermaid, she was raised with to understand of the importance of seizing new opportunities, education and personal empowerment. She has dedicated her life to helping young Bostonians find culturally and ethnically diverse education. McGuire tasked attendees of the Black and Green to embrace the core values of opportunity, dignity, and empowerment within their own life and in the greater community.

The event concluded with a call to action by IIC, as all participants signed the Welcoming Massachusetts pledge, affirming the dignity of all people and calling on the state to reflect the core American values of freedom, dignity, and equality through humane immigration policies.

Rounding out the afternoon was a buffet of fine Caribbean food catered by Gloria Barezy-Ruley, including BBQ Jerk Chicken and Candied Yams. After tasting a bit of the tropics, guests were entertained by the Roca Inc. Punta Dance Troupe and the fine Irish music of Maureen McNally. Lucky raffle winners walked away with prizes from area businesses, including Poppa B’s Soul Food, Penguin Pizza, Flann O’Briens, and The Ice Creamsmith.

Black and Green organizers and attendees.	Speakers share their stories of empowerment.
Councilor Yancey presents the citation to IIC.	Black and Green 2008, a great success!