Our friend and longtime Park Slope artist, Tom Keough, was passionate about justice, diversity, and inclusion. He founded the group "Irish for Racial Justice" as testament to his beliefs. Like Tom, we believe this community is stronger when we're inclusive. Irish culture is not one dimensional- not in Brooklyn, and not in Dublin. We agree with Tom that diversity in community is strength. We have the banner that he created (see image), and it belongs in the parade.

As a tight-knit group of friends dedicated to continuing his legacy, we are calling upon the community to support our participation in the Park Slope St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 15th. 

This parade is more than just an emblem of cultural heritage. It celebrates a people who overcame incredible oppression. "Irish for Racial Justice" is a beacon of this strength and solidarity with all oppressed races and backgrounds. The nation of Ireland is no monolith. It is a tapestry of culture that we would like to publicly and simply acknowledge. St. Patrick himself was an oppressed immigrant, and that part matters!

For many years, Park Slope has done a great job of showcasing Irish pride. Overcoming persecution and racial injustice is certainly a source of Irish pride, but is largely unstated at the parade. We ask for your support to encourage "Irish for Racial Justice" to partake in this parade through Tom's local streets. We have walked this banner all over NYC streets with incredibly positive responses. With joined voices, we advocate for official admittance in the Brooklyn parade, and open expression of the diversity that is rooted in Irish culture.

Please sign this petition and help us march in memory of Tom Keough (RIP 5/16/1958 - 2/07/2025) and for the values he championed.