Growing up mixed race in Ireland, with activist and author Leon Diop

In this episode, Úna speaks with Leon Diop, about his experiences of growing up in Tallaght as a mixed race. We cover race, ethnicity, family dynamics and class in this emotional conversation where Leon shares the difficulties he faced during his childhood and teenage years, and how he turned his life around, all while grappling with his mixed race identity.We discuss:Racism in IrelandHis relationship with his Senegalese fatherCultural and religious differencesHow fear is the greatest motivatorWhy we should be hopefulFind Leon’s book ‘Mixed Up: An Irish Boy’s Journey to Belonging’ in all good bookstores in Ireland, including Books Upstairs and Dubray Books in Dublin. You can also order it directly from the publisher, Little Island.Follow Black and Irish on social.Follow Leon on social.