Irish America

Activist

Caught in the Crossfire

By Frank Shouldice, Contributor
October / November 2002

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We're circling Abercorn Street in Derry and Richard Moore, my sunglassed passenger, is pointing out focal points of his native city. He acts as navigator, advising me to turn left at the shop, then right at the gap in the green railings to reach our destination. The remarkable thing is Richard is totally blind. Not that he was born this way. Ever since May 4, 1972 he has … [Read more...] about Caught in the Crossfire

Postcards From the Edge

By Frank Shouldice, Contributor
August / September 2002

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Although she takes her husband's surname, Ali Hewson has always shied away from publicity generated by marriage to rock star Bono, the frontman of U2, and while he carries on his war against world debt, she concentrates on nuclear fallout closer to home.  ℘℘℘ Anna Gabriel is excited. Having changed from her customary jeans and T-shirt into a velvet frock the nine-year-old is … [Read more...] about Postcards From the Edge

Bono: On a Mission

By Irish America Staff
April / May 2002

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U2's lead singer, Bono, has been a famous rock star for over two decades. His social activism dates back almost as long -- to 1984 when he appeared on Band Aid's "Do they know it's Christmas?" -- a charity record to raise money for famine-stricken Ethiopia. The following year, U2 also performed at London's Wembley Stadium at the Live Aid concert for Africa. Throughout the '80s … [Read more...] about Bono: On a Mission

Ladies of Mercy

By Elizabeth Raggi, Contributor
October / November 2001

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On July 18, 2001, Dorothy Marie and Gwen Hennessey of the Sisters of St. Francis of The Holy Family, left their fellow sisters and friends to report to Pekin Federal Correctional Institute in Illinois. They were sentenced to six months for a November 2000 protest at the School of the Americas in Fort Benning, Georgia. Founded in 1946 and funded by U.S. taxpayers, SOA … [Read more...] about Ladies of Mercy

Martin Sheen’s Enduring Spirit

By Irish America Staff
December / January 2001

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Actor Martin Sheen was awarded Amnesty International's Enduring Spirit Award for his tireless dedication to social justice. Of Irish and El Salvadorian heritage, he has been an activist for the rights of South and central Americans, protested political repression in Central America, and promoted more liberal political asylum policies in the U.S. The West Wing star has also … [Read more...] about Martin Sheen’s Enduring Spirit