MIC Africa Day
Africa Day 2026
Africa Day is observed annually on 25 May in Africa and around the world to commemorate the formation of the African Union and the unity of the continent. This year, on Thursday 28 May, MIC will hold a symposium in celebration of Africa Day - with keynote speaker Dr Sharod Tomlinson.
Keynote Speaker
Visiting US Professor and expert in racial equity, Dr Sharod Tomlinson, is Assistant Vice-President for Equity and Inclusion/Student Belonging at St John's University, New York.
Africa Day Scholarship Framework
This event marks a significant milestone - the fifth year of our Africa Day scholarship framework, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Africa Day celebrations in Ireland.
Fireside Panel
Building on the success of previous years, this year's theme explores status loss through migration. It promises to be an enlightening day, with a diaspora panel of eight experts from diverse sectors, including higher education, medicine, media, and industry R&D.
Research and Workshops
Diaspora panel highlighting lived experiences of African professionals in medicine, education, engineering and more.
Documentary Screening
Direct Provision: A Special Documentary.
Programme of Events
| Programme of Events |
|---|
| 9.30am - 10am: Registration & Networking |
| 10am - 10.05am: Welcome by Prof. McIlrath, EDII Director |
| 10.05am - 10.15am: Official Opening by Mayor of Limerick, John Moran |
| 10.15am - 10.20am: Formal Address by Prof, Dermot Nestor, MIC President |
| 10.20am - 11.20am: Keynote & Q&A: Flowing or Frozen - Navigating Status Loss by Dr Sharod Tomlinson, Assistant Vice-President for Equity and Inclusion/Student Belonging at St John's University, New York |
| 11.20am - 11.40am: Coffee Break, An Halla |
| 11.40am - 12pm: Direct Provision - A Special Screening of Better or Worse: The Killarney Experience by MA in Media student |
| 12pm - 12.50pm: Workshop 1 Exploring Themes from the Keynote and Documentary by Facilitators and Dr Sharod Tomlinson |
| 12.50pm - 1.35pm: Lunch, An Halla |
| 1.35pm - 2.45pm: Fireside Panel Conversation: Lived Experience Professionals by Moderator and mpanellists. |
| 2.45pm - 3.20pm: Workshop 2 Exploring Themes from the Fireside Panel Conversation by Facilitators and Dr Sharod Tomlinson |
| 3.20pm - 3.25pm: Tea/Coffee in An Halla |
| 3.25pm - 3.55pm: Plenary - The Way Forward by Facilitators |
| 3.55pm - 4pm: Closing Remarks, Holly Cowman, Director of International Engagement |
View past events of MIC Africa Day
Since May 2022, we have been holding Africa Day to showcase the scholarly works of African students and practitioners engaged in research about Africa and Africans and highlight their contributions to Ireland.
Africa Day 2025
Commemorating Africa Day 2025 in MIC
Theme: Scholarship Equity
Date: 29 May 2025
Location: The Halla, Mary Immaculate College
Africa Day 2023
Organised around the theme of ‘Nurturing Africa and MIC’s Collaborative Relationship in Education’, a free public event was held on 1 June 2023 to celebrate MIC Africa Day; African scholars studying at MIC shared their African culture and diversity as well as discussing their contributions to Irish life, especially in education.
Africa Day 2022
Commemorating Africa Day 2022 in MIC
Theme: The Way We Left
Date: 31 May 2022
Location: Mary Immaculate College
Click here to read the Africa Day 2022 report, which was launched by the Director of EDII, Professor Lorraine McIlrath.
- Africa Day 2026
- Programme of Events
- View past events of MIC Africa Day
