Black History Summit organised by the North West Migrants Forum
Sat 26 Oct 2024 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Ulster University, Belfast, BT15 1AP
Description
The North West Migrants Forum is delighted to announce details of its fourth Black History Summit.
Kenneth B Morris, descendant of 19th century abolitionist Frederick Douglass, has been confirmed as keynote speaker for the event taking place in Ulster University Belfast on Saturday, October 26.
The theme of the Summit will be ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ with panellists exploring the contributions and achievements of black individuals and communities while also recognising the struggles they faced and in many cases, continue to face.
After escaping slavery in Maryland in 1838, Frederick Douglass became national leader of the movement for African-American civil rights.
During his lifetime he visited Northern Ireland on two occasions - in 1845 at the invitation of the Belfast Anti-Slavery Society and again the following year 1846. In recognition of the connections built up during those trips, a life-size statue of the abolitionist was unveiled last year beside the historic First Presbyterian Church on the city’s Rosemary Street where he delivered lectures.
Kenneth B Morris is flying in from New York where he is President of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives for the Summit.
Other speakers include Dr Naomi Green of the British Islamic Medical Association, Alfred Abolarin of the NI African and Caribbean Leadership Consortium, Meath County Councillor Yemi Adonuga and nurse, Unison representative and long-time North West Migrants Forum volunteer Beverly Simpson. Also set to express their views as young people growing up, studying and working in Ireland are Oluwaseun Awonuga, Inioluwa Olaosebikan and Oluwaloseyi Olapade.
Music will be provided by Ugandan performer Donna Namukasa and Belfast-Ghanaian singer Winnie Ama who last year made her Glastonbury debut.
Chairing the event will be former BBC NI journalist Donna Traynor.
Black History Summit 2024 begins at 10am and runs until 3pm. It is free of charge with lunch provided.
Transport will be provided for those travelling from Derry/L'Derry. To let us know if you need a seat on the bus, follow the instructions when booking your ticket.
If you have any questions, you can call us on 02871 362184 or email c.sharkey@nwmf.org.uk
The Black History Summit is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with assistance from Ulster University and the Housing Executive. The Black Heritage in Northern Ireland: The Hidden History is being financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Location
Ulster University, Belfast, BT15 1AP