Adam Turkington, a Belfast creative producer and cultural organizer, has significantly influenced the city’s street art scene. Founder of the Hit the North festival, he advocates for public art as a means to foster community and connection. Turkington emphasizes the transformative potential of art in bridging divides and enhancing local identity. Continue reading Adam Turkington
Bryonie Reid, a writer and cultural geographer from Belfast, explores connections between place and belonging through community projects with her sister, Gemma. Their work fosters dialogue on Northern Ireland’s complex history, emphasizing quiet relationship-building and listening as pathways to peace, acceptance, and shared futures amidst challenges and uncertainty. Continue reading Bryonie Reid
Patricia Moore is a community activist and longtime Sinn Féin member from Derry, Northern Ireland, whose life has been shaped by the conflict known as the Troubles and the subsequent peace process. Raised in Derry during some of the most violent years of the conflict, she experienced military raids, street violence, and the daily realities of a divided society from an early age. At 17, she became involved in republican politics and later spent more than a year in prison after being detained during a mass arrest operation; the case against her ultimately collapsed when the key witness withdrew her testimony. Continue reading Hilary Lawrey
Dot Wilson, a lifelong resident of Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, is a community-builder and peace advocate dedicated to fostering connections across divides. Through her involvement with the Corrymeela Community and the establishment of Mill Strand Integrated Primary School, Dot emphasizes the importance of community in peacebuilding, advocating for mutual respect and integrated education. Continue reading Dot Wilson
Alistair Kilgore, a Northern Irish educator and peacebuilder, has dedicated over fifty years to fostering cross-community understanding. He emphasizes reconciliation through acknowledging personal roles in conflict and building relationships. His initiatives include supporting integrated education, challenging sectarianism, and creating inclusive spaces for healing and connection among divided communities in Northern Ireland. Continue reading Alastair Kilgore
Nell McCafferty was a renowned journalist and activist from Derry, known for her fierce advocacy for women’s and civil rights. To her family, she was simply “our Nell,” a mischievous and adventurous sister and aunt. Carmel and Muire share personal anecdotes that highlight her profound impact on their lives and the community she loved. Continue reading Carmel McCafferty and Muire McCallion
Patricia Moore is a community activist and longtime Sinn Féin member from Derry, Northern Ireland, whose life has been shaped by the conflict known as the Troubles and the subsequent peace process. Raised in Derry during some of the most violent years of the conflict, she experienced military raids, street violence, and the daily realities of a divided society from an early age. At 17, she became involved in republican politics and later spent more than a year in prison after being detained during a mass arrest operation; the case against her ultimately collapsed when the key witness withdrew her testimony. Continue reading Patricia Moore
Chris McDonough, a community development worker in Derry, Northern Ireland, focuses on bridging divides between Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods through dialogue and youth engagement. With a commitment to reconciliation and social equity, he believes true peace involves understanding diverse identities and overcoming historical trauma, emphasizing the need for ongoing healing beyond the Troubles. Continue reading Chris McDonagh
Shelley Cowan, a disability advocate from Northern Ireland, founded Justus to promote inclusivity for adults with disabilities. After a decade of health struggles, she regained mobility and earned a master’s degree. Along with caregiver Tracey Farry, they foster connections across cultural divides, transforming personal challenges into community empowerment and empathy. Continue reading Shelley Cowan and Tracey Farry
Martina Byrne, a community builder in Hilltown, Ireland, transformed her personal experiences of isolation into a proactive initiative to connect women. Co-founding a thriving women’s group, she fosters community through diverse activities. Motivated by her desire for connection, Byrne emphasizes peace, trust, and women’s roles in grassroots change, nurturing relationships for lasting impact. Continue reading Martina Byrne
