As a young man in Northern Ireland, Jon McCourt joined the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1969, intent on promoting civil rights on his home soil.
On what became known as “Bloody Sunday,” Jan. 30, 1972, in his hometown of Derry/Londonderry, he narrowly escaped death when an armed British soldier stared him down then walked away with a shrug. Nearby more than a dozen young people had been shot to death that violent day.
McCourt, who left the IRA in the mid-1970s, is now a community peace activist working with victims of violence, youth in criminalized areas and community relations. He will share his experiences in two free, public events at WSU Pullman on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
On Tuesday, Oct. 28, McCourt will lead a Foley Institute discussion at noon and deliver the Honors College’s Bhatia Lecture at 7:00 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.