cúisle mo chroí

I had the pleasure of joining the organization Irish American Writers & Artist almost immediately upon relocating to Brooklyn. IAWA is a unique organization in the city which is not only highlighting Irish American artists, writers, actors and so forth, but one that is “committed both to bringing together the Irish American creative community in new self-awareness and to being a force for inter-ethnic and interracial solidarity, understanding and active cooperation.” From the IAWA mission statement:

In the long tradition of Irish resistance to oppression and struggle for liberty, IAW&A supports free speech, the rights of immigrants, the equality and dignity of all—regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation—and the process of peaceful, positive social change in the U.S., Ireland and around the world. While avoiding party affiliation and endorsing no candidates for public office, IAW&A is outspoken in defense of artistic freedom, human rights and social justice.

My friend, author Michael Patrick MacDonald, invited me to join the first IAWA planning session for a fundraiser for Haiti following the devastating earthquake on 12 January, and we held “Relief for Haiti: Island People Supporting Island People” last Wednesday, February 24th at Connolly’s Bar.

We were able to bring together an incredible lineup–with musicians like Black 47, Moya Brennan and Ashley Davis, and authors like TJ English, Gary Shteyngart and Colum McCann. One of the highlights of the event was Haitian American band Brother High Kanaval (pictured above). In what turned out to be an amazing simple twist of fate, I was able to contribute to the success of the evening in my role as finance officer by facilitating a targeted, fast-track grant to Concern from the Irish government (by way of Irish Consul General Niall Burgess) in the amount of $50,000. All of the proceeds from the night–an overwhelming $107,500+–went to Concern Worldwide’s humanitarian efforts in Haiti.

What a tremendous night, what a success! I can’t wait for what comes next.