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
Tom Deignan
A Forgotten Irish
Presidential Distinguished Service Awards Announced
Three Irish Americans are among the recipients of this year’s Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad. Northwell Health executive, Michael J. Dowling, cultural scholar James W. Flannery, and oncologist Dennis J. Slamon were recognized alongside the likes of actress Fiona Shaw, and Professor Mitsuko Ohno of Japan, for their achievements in a wide range … [Read more...] about Presidential Distinguished Service Awards Announced
From Space to Washington –
Captain Mark Kelly Takes on a New Endeavour
Mark Kelly is the new Senator-elect for Arizona, filling the late Senator John McCain's seat.
Mark Kelly – just elected to the U.S. Senate – had already lived quite a life. He’d served as a fighter pilot, flying over three dozen combat missions during Operation Desert Storm.
Then he applied to become an astronaut with NASA. As did his twin brother Scott. They were both … [Read more...] about From Space to Washington –
Captain Mark Kelly Takes on a New Endeavour
Timothy Egan: A Modern Day Pilgrim
By Tom Deignan
In late October, media outlets around the world reported that Pope Francis had expressed support for civil unions, “a significant break from his predecessors that staked out new ground for the church in its recognition of gay people,” as the New York Times put it. It was the latest historic moment for a pope who has excited reformers within the church, while at the same time … [Read more...] about Timothy Egan: A Modern Day Pilgrim
A Modern Day Pilgrim
Best-selling author and New York Times columnist, Timothy Egan's latest book is called A Pilgrimage to Eternity: From to Canterbuy to Rome in Search of Faith. He talks to Tom Deignan about all that and more. Can you start by telling us why you wanted to write a book like this? And it's been out for a little while now. It's only just out in paperback. Can you tell us what … [Read more...] about A Modern Day Pilgrim