A Longford native says Irish racism can be tackled through students learning about different contributions by the black community.
Eric Ehighie is making the remarks ahead of the launch of a black students module at the University of Galway.
The African and Caribbean society president believes that the module will help students see black people as equals and reduce stereotypical views of Africans.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan show, he talked about the importance of getting meaningful conversations about the black community started in order to reduce racism:
'I think if we look deep down inside ourselves as Irish people and we look at our history, we will see that we have been the victims of racism and colonialism and imperialism.
There is almost a mandate and obligation that falls upon us to try relate to those who suffer from racism today.
We shouldn't believe that because we have a history of racism that we are immune of being racist and we should try and cater to those who are suffering from racisms too.
I think modules like this can really kickstart the conversation in a meaningful way.'
