GRIOTS REPUBLIC - An Urban Black Travel Mag - March 2016

Archivists Note
We are three months into this journey and with each passing month and new
issue of Griots Republic, the GR team gets more and more excited (no, you
really don’t understand just how excited we really get!!). As we bring you
images and stories that span the diaspora, we would be remiss in our duties if
we did not take the time to thank you for reading this, our labor of love.
Trust us, you really have not seen anything yet. With that said, let us go!
Next stop citizens of the Republic?
Ireland.
Landing on the Green Isle, the team expected to be mesmerized by the
majestic beauty of rolling hills, impressed by snow-capped peaks, intrigued
by historic castles and warmed by tasty fare, but we got even more than
expected as we connected with our cousins who have chosen Ireland as their
home. The Archivists sat down with some of the most beautiful people to be
found anywhere and they opened their hearts to us, as well as their lives, to
share how they as former denizens of The Motherland found their way to
Ireland and are proud to call it home.
From Irish Comedians to Gospel Choirs and all the way over to International
Powerlifters, we packed this issue with genuine Irish Soul. We even caught
up will Detroit Rapper Illa J on his European Tour and spent hours in his
dressing room talking (and eating) as he prepared to take the stage. His own
words perhaps summed up our time together best, “Yo, it feels like my
cousins came by to visit.”
So, before you turn the page and take your first step onto the Green Isle to
meet your family abroad, we think it is only appropriate to bless you with this
traditional Irish prayer:
May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be ever at your back. May
the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And
until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hands.
Travel safe and well citizens of the Republic.
T H E A R C H I V I S T S
Irish comedian and internet
star, Fabu D, has an
inspiring story to tell of low
lows and high highs. He
also sings and it's
absolutely unbelievable.
If there's anything to be
gained from Arlette
Bamahou's interview it's a
sense of "I can do it!" She is
driven and passionate
about women in sports!
Watch!