In Good Trouble\, Forest Issac Jones draws on firsthand interviews to show how the Black freedom movement in the U.S . shaped Northern Ireland&rsquo\;s civil rights fight. From Selma to the B ogside\, he follows the people who marched\, organized and resisted&mdash\ ;across borders and generations.
\nNow\, in conversation with Lilian Seenoi Barr&mdash\;Derry&rsquo\;s first Black mayor and a leading voice f or justice&mdash\;Jones explores what solidarity looked like then\, and wh at it demands now.
\nIn Good Trouble: The Selma\, Alabama and Derry\ , Northern Ireland Connection 1963&ndash\;1972\, Jones uncovers the influe nce of the Selma to Montgomery marches on the 1969 Belfast to Derry march through intimate oral histories. He speaks with movement figures on both s ides of the Atlantic&mdash\;from Dr. Sheyann Webb-Christburg and Richard S miley in Alabama\, to Billy McVeigh and Eamonn McCann in Derry. The result is a rare\, dual-perspective account of two liberation movements in dialo gue.
\n
Forest Issac Jones is an
award-winning author of non-fiction and essays\, specializing in the study
of Irish History\, the US Civil Rights Movement and Northern Ireland. His
latest essay\, &lsquo\;The Civil Rights Connection Between The USA and No
rthern Ireland&rsquo\; was awarded honorable mention in the category of no
nfiction essay by Writer&rsquo\;s Digest in their 93rd annual writing comp
etition.
Over the years\, Jones has won awards from Writer&rsquo\; s Digest in 2022 and 2023. His award winning essay about African Americans at D-Day was published in 2024 by WWII History Magazine.
\nIn addit
ion to writing\, Jones is a frequent speaker who has given talks about eve
rything from African Americans at D-Day and The Troubles in Northern Irela
nd.
His first nonfiction book\, &lsquo\;Good Trouble: The Selma\, Ala
bama and Derry\, Northern Ireland Connection 1963-1972&rsquo\; is availabl
e was released by Anthem Press on April 1\, 2025. Jones holds a doctorate
degree from Virginia Tech in education and a master&rsquo\;s degree from H
ollins University in history (focusing on Northern Ireland history and Sou
th Africa history). He currently lives in Salem\, Virginia.
Lilian Seenoi Barr is a pr
ominent Kenyan Irish political and community activist known for her commit
ment to social justice\, equality\, and human rights. Born in Kenya\, Lili
an's early life was shaped by the challenges and inequities she observed i
n her Maasai community\, sparking a passion for advocacy that would guide
her life's work.
In her late twenties\, Lilian relocated to Derry/ Londonderry\, where she quickly became an influential figure in local pol itics and community activism. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer a t the North West Migrants Forum\, she played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and integration of migrants and minoritised minorities. Her work at the Forum involved developing programmes that addressed issues su ch as racial discrimination\, social inclusion\, and community cohesion.\n
Lilian's political career gained significant momentum when she join ed the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP). Her dedication to public service and her ability to connect with diverse communities led to her el ection as the Chair of the Derry SDLP District Executive. In 2021\, she wa s co-opted into the Derry City and Strabane District Council\, marking a s ignificant step in her political journey. Demonstrating her growing influe nce and popularity\, Lilian was subsequently elected in 2023 as one of the SDLP Councillors for the Foyleside District Electoral Area.
\nBeyon d her political engagements\, Lilian is known for her grassroots activism. She has organised numerous campaigns and events aimed at raising awarenes s about issues such as racial inequality\, Nighttime economy\, Women&rsquo \;s Health and Housing. Her efforts have not only brought about tangible c hanges in her community but have also inspired many others to take up the mantle of activism.
\nLilian Seenoi Barr's contributions to politica l and community life have been recognised with several awards and honours. Her work continues to inspire and empower individuals and communities\, m aking her a formidable force for positive change. Through her tireless eff orts\, Lilian has demonstrated the profound impact that dedicated activism and compassionate leadership can have on society.
\nLilian Believes this is our time to build a more inclusive\, prosperous\, and vibrant Der ry City and Strabane District. She wants to be a mayor for everyone\, one who is accessible and one who will lead with hope. Lilian Has chosen BUDS Club as her charity of the year and will fundraise and promote the work of this organisation during her term in the Guildhall.
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