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14th Jul 2020

Powerful Imelda May poem on racism to be displayed on billboards nationwide

Sarah Finnan

Imelda May

‘You Don’t Get To Be Racist And Irish’ – a poem by Irish singer Imelda May, will be displayed on 200 billboards nationwide as part of a new campaign against discrimination. 

Imelda May read out her moving poem ‘You Don’t Get To Be Racist And Irish’ for Culture on RTÉ earlier last month and it’s gone down so well that it will now be displayed on billboards across Ireland.

Addressing the current state of affairs over in America, the poem is a moving commentary on how important it is to be anti-racism.

Part of a new equality fund launched by Rethink Ireland, the poem will be displayed on 200 billboards around the country in an effort to empower marginalised communities and tackle systemic inequality.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, the singer said:

“We are all human and so must show our humanity to each other, otherwise what are we?

“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.

“But I think at the moment, now is not the time to hear my voice. It’s time to hear the voices of those that need to be heard.

“Thanks to Rethink Ireland and the Equality Fund that’s more likely to happen – and thanks to them for fighting for everybody for equal opportunities and for love and kindness, so thanks very much for listening.”

You can read the poem here.

Header image via Instagram/Imelda May

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