We all have a story to tell. I was raised by two beautiful Irish souls who instilled in me the profound teachings of God. My parents embodied a strong faith, especially clear during my mum’s illness and my dad’s dutiful care during this difficult time. I miss them both dearly and often look for connections to Ireland.
Over the years, my sons have joked that I always find something Irish, no matter where we go. Not long ago, I stumbled upon a documentary about the history of enslaved Irish people in Barbados. By chance, my family and I had been planning a special holiday there. On arrival, I fell in love with Barbados; it’s an island paradise, brimming with lush forests, mischievous green monkeys, whistling frogs and crystal blue waters surrounding a warm-hearted and easy-going people, and is also home to one of the highest concentrations of centenarians in the world.
The remnants of the melodious West Cork accent can still be heard in the Barbadian accent today. This connection can be traced back to the heart-wrenching history of the 50,000 Irish men, women and children who Cromwell forcibly transported during the Irish Confederate Wars (1641-1653) and following the Monmouth Rebellion. Tragically, they were sold into slavery, enduring unimaginable hardships.
Despite these challenges, they embody a rich and unique heritage that deserves recognition and understanding. Aptly named the Redlegs, because of their difficulty coping with the heat, their most famous descendant is Rihanna. Her maternal grandmother is from this community, which comprises approximately 400 individuals living in poverty today. Acknowledging the deep struggles and challenges they face due to this legacy is important.
In Leviticus 19:33-34, God clearly states: “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not ill-treat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” I remember my dad telling us a story when he first came to England, seeing a sign outside a pub that said: “No dogs, no blacks, no Irish.” As a young man, my father was taken aback.
Every time we share true stories, we tap into something powerful. It’s a journey of awakening, where healing and history blend, revealing the greatness within our past and creation. We are all created in God’s image.
This month holds great significance, as it provides a dedicated space to recognise and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black individuals throughout history and their unique experiences and struggles, urging us to confront racism and inequality. Doing so promotes diversity, inclusion and unity, bringing us closer together in our shared humanity.
We all have our own stories and histories, all of equal importance. Some, like that of the lesser-known Redlegs, are pertinent reminders for us all to honour God’s command to love one another and celebrate everyone’s ethnicities and cultures.
God our Father and creator,
Draw unto us a liveliness and spirit,
That we may be so occupied in the beauty of life,
The life you have bestowed upon us,
That we may always open our arms to one another.
Shield us, oh Lord, from the grievances
of power and judgment,
For you, Lord, are the one true God.
Nothing else compares to your majesty.
Lord, please soften hardened hearts,
And give parents the grace and wisdom
To end ancestral tyranny and racism.
Bring peace, loving Father,
And let your eternal light forever shine upon us.
Now and forever
Amen
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