Leon Diop is a mixed race man from Tallaght. Born to an Irish mother and a Senegalese father. He grew up in a mixed ethnic and religious household. He studied Psychology in Maynooth University where he served two years as Students' Union President. He is the founder of Black and Irish, an organisation striving to transform Ireland into a global leader in equality and inclusion. He is a host of the Black and Irish podcast with RTE. He currently serves on the boards of the Childhood Development Initiative, Tallaght and South Dublin County Partnership.

"Will enlighten and inspire." -- Booklist (for Black and Irish: Legends, Trailblazers & Everyday Heroes)"A well-researched and fascinating read, presented in an educational and approachable manner befitting of its target upper YA audience." -- YA Books Central (for Black and Irish: Legends, Trailblazers & Everyday Heroes)"One I wish I had on my own bookshelf as a kid." -- The Irish Times (for Black and Irish: Legends, Trailblazers & Everyday Heroes)"An informative tribute to Black Irish heroes past and present with hopeful messages for those yet to come." -- Kirkus (for Black and Irish: Legends, Trailblazers & Everyday Heroes)