Imelda May’s powerful anti-racist poem is set to go on display around the country.
The poem, titled ‘You Don’t Get To Be Racist And Irish’ had a huge impact on Imelda’s online followers, causing the piece to go viral shortly after it was posted.
The poem is now set to feature on 200 billboards around Ireland and will coincide with launch of Rethink Ireland’s new €3m Equality fund.
The fund will offer support to those in Irish society who are underrepresented, including marginalised women, migrants, the Traveller Community, people with disabilities, and the LGBTI+ community.
Sharing the news on Twitter along with a snap of one of the billboards, the organisation said:
“Today at 11am we will launch our €3m #EqualityFund supported by the Peter Kinney & Lisa Sandquist Foundation & the Government of Ireland.”
Thank you so much @musicbyloah for joining us this morning at the launch of our #EqualityFund. Pictured at our billboard with the beautiful and powerful poem “You don’t get to be racist and Irish” by @ImeldaOfficial pic.twitter.com/7B7qNFVmqf
— Rethink Ireland (@Rethink_Ireland) July 13, 2020
Revealing what they plan to do with their new campaign, they added:
“We will support organisations & groups that empower marginalised communities and tackle systemic inequality”
In Imelda’s poem, the singer addresses the micro and macro racism that happens in Ireland. Speaking about Ireland’s history with oppression, Imelda draws parallels to the Irish and those who are the victims of inequality.
“You don’t get to be proud of your heritage, plights, and fights for your freedom while kneeling on the neck of another” one line recites.
You Don’t Get To Be Racist And Irish. #irish #irishamerican #londonirish #moreblacksmoredogsmoreirish#irishagainstracism #trump #eire #nypdnews @NYPDnews #truth #blackandirish #BlackLivesMatter #love 🖤💚 ❤️ https://t.co/1yEbB0r1tm
— Imelda May (@ImeldaOfficial) June 5, 2020
Speaking about the news, Imelda said that she is dleighted to be a part of the change in Ireland.
“We are all human and so must show our humanity to each other, otherwise what are we?” she said.
“I’m delighted that my poem is being linked to this campaign.”
“I’m really glad that the poem has sparked some conversation and I’m grateful that I’ve had the words to be able to write it.” she continued.