Changing Perceptions and Challenging Stereotypes
By Elizebeth O Leary
As part of Travellers’ Pride, the Irish Travellers Movement organised an event at the Shamrock Hotel Athlone, highlighting young changemakers from the Traveller Community. The panellists on the day included James Stokes, Emma Ward and Laticia McCrudden, who discussed issues affecting young people from the community. Travellers Voice attended the event and was inspired by the young changemakers’ sense of purpose and passion. In this issue, we interview James Stokes, a young activist and aspiring politician, to learn more about his work, hopes, and vision for the future.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, James?
My name is James Stokes; I’m 17 and from Newbridge County, Kildare. I’m named after my grandad James/Jim Stokes, who only passed away in 2021; he was also a Traveller activist within the local community. I have just completed my leaving cert, being the first in my family to do so, and I am going on to third-level education in September. I have been a member of Sinn Féin since July 2022; I am the Youth and Equality officer for Sinn Féin in Kildare and Newbridge.
What do you hope to do in college and why?
Fortunately, I have already been offered a spot at Maynooth University for the“Turn to Teach course”, which aims to promote diversity in the teaching profession through a series of Initiatives that promote social justice and widen participation. I plan to study to become a primary school teacher.
Why did you choose politics?
My interest in politics began in early 2020; I was 14 years old in 2nd year. We were in lockdown, and I had nothing better to do than spend my day on the phone watching videos. I began following the American Presidential election and became interested in deciding their candidates and the primaries. I remember being invested in this election and rooting for Pete Buttigieg, Joe Biden, and Bernie Sanders. Initially, it began as entertainment for me, watching the spectacle involved, but then I decided I wanted to do this; I wanted a life in politics. That’s when I began looking into Irish Politics and Irish issues that affect myself and others.
I remembered the work of my grandad and, in particular, a town meeting he held in Newbridge, calling for an end to racism against the Traveller community in the area. I began exploring which party was best aligned with my beliefs and felt that Sinn Féin and its representation were the right fit for me. I thought they would give me the opportunity I wanted to help people.
Why Did You Choose to Become a Member of That Party in Particular?
Last summer, I was looking into doing work experience; I contacted my local TDs, and Deputy Patricia Ryan was the only one who returned to me. So, of course, I took the opportunity to work in that constituency office with her, Councillor Noel Connolly, and other Sinn Féin members. During that time, it became evident that this is where I want to be and work. Working alongside party members and elected representatives highlighted what needs to be done to make Ireland a better place for everyone. Since joining, my local Sinn Féin Cumann (Group)have also been incredibly supportive.
Are there any politicians you look up to, and why?
There are two politicians I look up to: National Senator Eileen Flynn and Local Councillor Noel Connolly. I first contacted Senator Flynn on the 13th of January 2021; since then, she has been a great ally and friend. She has given me solid advice and has guided, supported, and inspired me. She is an excellent representation of our community. The dedication and empathy of Councillor Noel Connolly (SF), who represents the Kildare-Newbridge MD, inspires me to continue politics and help people.
What/Who inspired you to become a Traveller activist?
My grandad, James Stokes, inspired me to become a Traveller activist. My grandad was also an activist within our community. He called out racism and stood up to it. He rallied our community for a call for change, although he was never with any organisation or party. As a Traveller man, he just wanted change. My grandfather passed away in 2021, and I feel inspired to continue his work.
What other Traveller organisations are you involved with, and why did you choose these organisations?
I’m a member of the ITM Youth Forum, where young Travellers can connect and have open panel discussions like the one we attended for the Panel in Athlone for Traveller Pride Week. I also recently became employed by Kildare Traveller Action Group to become an education support peer worker; I’ve yet to start, but I’m looking forward to it.
Can you tell us more about some policies you brought into your school? What made you want to do this?
While preparing for my junior cert exams during my 3rdyear of school, I served on the student council. I discovered that some students could not continue their education during their menstrual cycle as they could not afford the appropriate products. Menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, should be available for all who need them when they need them. Having periods should never be a barrier to education for anyone. So, I proposed that my school, St. Conleth’s Community College, provide free sanitary products to people affected by period poverty.
What other future projects are you working on?
As a member of Ógra Shinn Féin Kildare, I began the campaign with the help of Cllr Connolly, calling for a direct public bus service from Newbridge to Maynooth University. The importance of the campaign is to make it easier for students to access their education so they don’t have to spend a fortune on private services or wake up at ridiculous hours for indirect service.
I have also put myself forward to stand for election next year in the Newbridge local electoral area as a Sinn Féin Candidate. I still need to attend the convention, but I hope my fellow party members will support me. I feel the representation of young people in politics is crucial, especially for young Travellers who are often excluded from political discourse.
What are you proud of and why?
I am proud of my progress and defying societal norms. I’ve graduated secondary school, am attending Maynooth University, and hope to stand in the next local elections. I’ve completed projects that changed the lives of others and am still actively continuing to work on more.
If there was one misconception you could change about the Traveller community, what would it be? Why?
We are not a homogeneous group; one person does not represent all of us. Travellers are standing up, speaking out, and breaking stereotypes.
What do you hope to see in the future for the community?
I hope that one day, racism will be entirely eradicated, and Travellers will be viewed as equals to everyone else. No one will discriminate against a person when they discover they come from the Traveller Community. We will be accepted.
