By Tom Deignan
In 1957, Martin Luther King. Jr. paid a visit to a Tennessee community organizing camp where he heard Pete Seeger perform a revised version of an old gospel tune for the first time.
Within a decade, “We Shall Overcome” would become an anthem for civil rights marchers from Birmingham to Belfast.
Martin Luther King Day in the U.S. is a fitting time … [Read more...] about A Forgotten Irish
Civil Rights Trailblazer
Civil RIghts
A Forgotten Irish
News from Ireland: Ireland to Fingerprint Asylum Seekers
By Irish America Staff
October / November 2000
In an attempt to reduce the number of illegal immigrants entering the country, Ireland will introduce mandatory fingerprinting for all asylum seekers. This step has been roundly criticized by human rights organizations and the Irish Refugee Council. Under the new program, all asylum seekers over the age of 14 will be fingerprinted and the information will be added to a … [Read more...] about News from Ireland: Ireland to Fingerprint Asylum Seekers
Paul O’Dwyer
Civil Rights Champion
Since his childhood in Mayo during the worst of the Black and Tan atrocities, Paul O'Dwyer has been a fearless champion of human rights. During the Red Scare and the civil rights movement he stood up for the oppressed regardless of personal cost. He was an early ally of the State of Israel and helped persuade President Truman to recognize this nation's independence. His law … [Read more...] about Paul O’DwyerCivil Rights Champion