Access & Inclusion
We challenge systemic barriers and discrimination through universal design, ensuring fair access to services for every community member.
National Black History Month Ireland (BHMI)
Africa — Ireland Bridge
African Consciousness.Cultural Diplomacy.Creative Futures.
“Not to Count Differences — But to let the Differences Count.”
Bridging communities through cultural heritage — connecting African heritage to Ireland's future. The Africa-Irish Development Initiative (AIDI) CLG Limited unites Africa and Europe through heritage arts and crafts, Black & African history observance, youth creativity and social enterprise.
African ConsciousnessCultural DiplomacyBlack & African History ObservanceSocial EnterpriseYouth CreativityThe Irish-African BridgeConnecting African Heritage to Ireland's FutureBridging Communities Through HeritageAfrican ConsciousnessCultural DiplomacyBlack & African History ObservanceSocial EnterpriseYouth CreativityThe Irish-African BridgeConnecting African Heritage to Ireland's FutureBridging Communities Through Heritage
Our Mission
One bridge.
Two heritages.
AIDI operates nationwide to drive behavioural change, foster genuine inclusion, harness opportunities and celebrate African heritage. We empower communities to build a future rooted in mutual respect — bridging communities through cultural heritage, one programme at a time.
Language & Culture
Supporting families in preserving their mother tongues while celebrating the cultural ties that connect global African heritage with Ireland.
Africa History Month
As the official organiser of Black History Month in Ireland, AIDI coordinates national events that honour history and strengthen intercultural dialogue.
Community Empowerment
We build pathways for social change through education and dialogue, giving individuals the tools they need to lead more equitable lives.
National Black History Month Ireland (BHMI)
Every October, Ireland remembers aloud.
As the official organiser of Black History Month in Ireland, AIDI steers the national observance every October — a month of exhibitions, summits, workshops and storytelling honouring Black & African history and the communities shaping Ireland today.
Initiated in Cork by AIDI founder Zephrynus Okechi Ikeh (2008–2010) and officially launched in 2014 by the European Commission Representation Office in Dublin and the African Diplomatic Corps in Ireland — making Ireland the fourth country in the world to officially celebrate Black History Month.
“The BHMI initiative will tackle racism and discrimination through helping people understand different cultures; Not to Count Differences — But to let the Differences Count.”
Zephrynus Okechi Ikeh — Founder, AIDI
The journey
2010
The legacy begins in Cork City — regional observances partnered with University College Cork, Cork City Council and the Nigerian Embassy in Dublin.
2013
Repeat celebrations deepen the movement across the region.
2014
Inaugural national launch on 4 October at the European Commission Representation Office, Dublin — with Ambassador Anas Khalas (Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps) and Barbara Nolan (Head of the European Representation Office) as keynote speakers. Ireland becomes the fourth country in the world to officially celebrate Black History Month.
Read The Journal's coverage ↗2015
Theme: “A Century of Celebration: Catch the Life, History and Culture” — unearthing lesser-known connections between Ireland and the African Diaspora.
Today
AIDI steers the national observance every October — exhibitions, summits, workshops and storytelling across Ireland.
01OCT
BHMI Opening Ceremony & Keynote
15OCT
Youth Storytelling & History Lab
31OCT
BHMI Closing Gala & Craft Auction
Our Journey
From a Cork room to the world stage.
2008
The Cork beginnings
Zephrynus Okechi Ikeh initiates Black History Month Ireland in Cork — a seed planted in a small room, with a national vision.
2010
A pilot takes root
The pilot initiative runs in Cork, gathering community groups, artists and educators around a shared celebration of African heritage.
2014
Ireland makes history
Officially launched by the European Commission Representation Office in Dublin and the African Diplomatic Corps in Ireland, Black History Month Ireland makes Ireland the fourth country in the world to officially celebrate Black History Month — after the US, UK and Canada. The theme: Civil Rights, Ethnic Diversity, Intercultural Education and Development.
2023
Africa Celebrates
The community gathers for Africa Celebrates 2023 — music, food, crafts and memory, captured in our Amazing Memories film.
2025
UnityStream begins
The Erasmus+ UnityStream programme launches with Learning Module 1 — European Identity & Active Citizenship — hosted by AIDI in Dublin.
2026
The stream flows on
Modules travel to Rome (Inclusive Youth Work), Tokat (Media Production for Amplifying Marginalised Voices) and Curtea de Argeș (Youth Exchange) — while the national Black & African History Month observance returns each October.
Today
The bridge widens
AIDI CLG Limited carries the work forward: diplomacy exchange, heritage crafts, youth leadership and social enterprise — not to count differences, but to let the differences count.
Programmes & Impact
Measured in lives, not just numbers.
0+
Communities Empowered
Nationwide across Ireland
0+
Education Sessions
Heritage, language and inclusion programmes
0k+
Opportunities Created
For community members across Africa and Ireland
0%
Intercultural Impact
Every programme builds mutual respect
Policy meets heritage
Diplomacy Exchange
Annual summits and ambassador dialogues linking African missions with Irish and EU institutions — anchored by the Black & African History observance, keynotes and cross-cultural policy forums.
- Black & African History Observance summit
- Ambassador & civic leader dialogues
- Travelling heritage exhibitions
Arts & Crafts Showcase
Craft as diplomacy.
Authentic textiles, sculpture, beadwork and basketry — each piece a provenance-tagged story of intercultural relations.
Youth Development & Creativity
Handing the next generation the pen.
From Dublin studios to Lagos workshops, young African and Irish creatives learn to tell their own histories — through fine art, craft, theatre and digital storytelling.
Proudly delivered with
Youth Fine Art & History Workshop
Empowering young Diaspora artists to explore Black & African history through oil and textile medium.
Intercultural Craft Residency Dublin
Collaborative studio sessions bridging Irish ceramic traditions with West African pottery.
Youth Cultural Leadership Council
Building community advocacy through storytelling, theatre, and policy mentorship.
Leadership
Stewards of the bridge.
Zephrynus Okechi Ikeh
Founder · Executive Secretary & Programme Development Director
Initiated and established Black History Month Ireland in Cork (2008–2010), officially launched in 2014 by the European Commission Representation Office in Dublin and the African Diplomatic Corps in Ireland — making Ireland the fourth country in the world to officially celebrate Black History Month.
Immaculata Ndey
Chairperson
Chairperson of The Africa-Irish Development Initiative (AIDI) CLG Limited, guiding the board's stewardship of the organisation's mission and partnerships.
Gideon Diego
Youth & Communication Coordinator
A writer, youth worker, public intellectual, and community worker. He holds Master's degrees in Theology and Sociology, with wide experience in youth work. An avid non-fiction writer on issues facing the African continent, spanning art, film, politics, religion, and music.
Onyewuchi Obirieze
Research/Policy Director
A writer, researcher, policy consultant, and community worker. He is the author of Indigenous Spirituality — Discernment from Christian Missionary Activities in Nigeria.
Abiodun Ulamen
Advocacy & Community Engagement Coordinator
A social practitioner and human rights campaigner advocating for social justice, gender equality, gender-based violence prevention, and children's rights and protection. A passionate voice for the voiceless, creating awareness in the community through inclusion, integration, and participation.
Community Spotlight · October 2026
“What it means to be Irish is going to completely change — it's already started. It will have completely transformed within two generations.”
Raven AflaketeSpoken Word Poet · performed at the official BHMI launch
Voices from Our Community
Impact, in their words.
Our mission is driven by the lived experiences of our members. These voices reflect the impact of our collaborative efforts in fostering inclusion and heritage throughout Ireland.
“AIDI has provided me with a true sense of belonging. Their programs help me feel closer to my heritage while being fully included in the local community.”
“The support for language and culture has been life-changing for our family. My children are growing up proud of their roots while confidently embracing their Irish identity.”
“Partnering with AIDI is built on a foundation of profound trust. Their commitment to inclusive development shows they truly value the power of intercultural unity.”
News & Stories
History, being written.
UnityStreamFeaturedMarch 2026
UnityStream in Rome — Inclusive Youth Work with the Magliana Community
All four UnityStream partners gathered in Rome from 5–7 March 2026 for the programme's second mobility, hosted by Galileo.it — with workshops alongside the young people of the Magliana youth centre and certificates presented to close the first learning module.
Read story
Cultural DiplomacyJuly 12, 2026
Celebrating Black & African History Observance 2026 in Dublin
AIDI hosts landmark summit showcasing ancestral art, historical keynotes, and cross-cultural policy dialogues between African ambassadors and Irish leaders.
Read storyArts & CraftMay 19, 2026
Bridging Traditions: Irish Lace meets West African Adire Textiles
Exhibition recap from the National Museum of Ireland featuring collaborative textile art crafted by master artisans.
Read storySocial ImpactJune 28, 2026
Empowering Next-Gen Social Enterprises across Ireland & West Africa
Announcing €1.2M seed grant acceleration fund for youth-led creative hubs and sustainable craft cooperatives.
Read storyCultural DiplomacyOctober 2026
Zephrynus Okechi Ikeh: The Vision Behind Black History Month Ireland
The story of AIDI's founder, who initiated Black History Month Ireland in Cork and saw it officially launched in 2014 — making Ireland the fourth country in the world to officially celebrate Black History Month.
Read storyCommunity MembersOctober 28, 2026
Welcome to the AIDI Community
A warm welcome to every new member — here is what your membership opens up, and how to make the most of it.
Read storyCommunityOctober 28, 2026
Meet the Team Leading the Africa-Irish Bridge
Five leaders, one bridge. Get to know the people stewarding AIDI’s programmes, partnerships and community across Ireland and Africa.
Read story
CommunityOctober 2014
What It Means to Be Irish — Voices from the BHMI Launch
At the official launch of Black History Month Ireland, two American-born spoken word poets who made Dublin their home captured what the moment meant — for the African diaspora, and for Ireland itself.
Read storyCultural DiplomacyOctober 2014
Ireland Becomes Fourth Country to Celebrate Black History Month
Ireland became the fourth country in the world to celebrate an annual Black History Month, following the US, UK and Canada — as a pilot begun in Cork in 2010 grew into a national programme.
Read story
UnityStreamJune 2026
Next Stop: Tokat, Türkiye — Amplifying Marginalised Voices Through Media
The UnityStream journey continues east: from 2–4 July 2026, the programme's third learning module travels to Tokat, Türkiye, where youth workers and young people from Ireland, Italy, Romania and Türkiye will learn media production for amplifying marginalised voices.
Read storyPartners & Supporters
The bridge is built together.
Diplomatic & Government Partners
Cultural & Community Partners
Working with embassies, government bodies, cultural institutions, councils and community organisations across Africa and Ireland.
Follow Us
Join the community.
News, event announcements and behind-the-scenes moments — follow the pages and join the groups where the community gathers.
Watch
Amazing memories — in motion.
Highlights from Africa Celebrates 2023, Clara Rose Thornton's spoken-word poem filmed in Dublin, and our featured Short.
Africa Celebrates 2023 · Black History Ireland
Spoken word · Clara Rose Thornton · filmed in Dublin
Featured Short · YouTube
Donate & Partner
Fuel the movement.
Every contribution trains an artisan, funds a youth workshop, or stages a history observance that changes how two continents see each other.
€
Donate by bank transfer
IE06 AIBK 9311 0172 497013
The Africa-Irish Development Initiative (AIDI) CLG Limited
Prefer to give time rather than money? Register your interest below — your contribution builds a future rooted in togetherness and mutual respect.
Volunteer
Give your time.
Festivals, youth workshops, heritage crafts, storytelling — our volunteers are the hands that carry the bridge. Tell us where you'd like to help and we'll be in touch.