About this episode

This episode explores the complex relationship between Irish republicans and Black radicals during the Irish War of Independence, highlighting themes of solidarity and racial tensions.

“The Irish fight for liberty is the greatest epic of the modern age… those suffering together under British imperialism must learn to coordinate their effort before they can hope to be free.” These words from the Black radical Cyril Briggs captured how many people of colour viewed the Irish War of Independence. Today, the Irish Revolution is usually remembered as a struggle shaped by empire, nationalism and religion. But race also haunted this history. As Ireland fought for freedom, racial tensions were erupting across the world. In 1919, the United States was convulsed by the Red Summer, when white mobs launched brutal attacks on African American communities. At the same time, many opponents of Irish independence portrayed the conflict in Ireland as a racial struggle. Yet the relationship between Irish republicans and Black radicals was never straightforward. While Black activists looked to Ireland with hope, many Irish leaders were slow to support Black struggles and some even argued that Ireland deserved freedom precisely because the Irish were white. This episode uncovers the forgotten story of solidarity, suspicion and betrayal between Irish and Black radicals and reveals…

More episodes of Irish History Podcast

• Divided Loyalties: The Irish Who Fought for Britain · April 23, 2026 · 30 min
• The Irish Language: Why Ireland Became English-Speaking · April 21, 2026 · 36 min
• From the Banshee to Burial: The Strange History of Irish Funerals · April 14, 2026 · 31 min
• Comrades in Arms? The IRA and Soviet Russia · April 2, 2026 · 28 min
• Hidden Lives: The Gay Community in Post-Independence Ireland · March 31, 2026 · 37 min
• The IRA & the Battle for America · March 27, 2026 · 38 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Irish History Podcast podcast page.