KENNETH B Morris, descendant of 19th century abolitionist Frederick Douglass, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the North West Migrants Forum’s fourth Black History Summit.
Taking place in Ulster University Belfast on 26 October, the theme of this year’s Summit will be ‘Reclaiming Narratives’.
Mr Morris is flying in from New York where he is president of the non-profit Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives.
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 Belfast’s Rosemary Street where he delivered lectures.
Chief Executive of the North West Migrants Forum, Lilian Seenoi Barr, said it was an honour to have Kenneth B Morris making the trip from the United States for the Black History Summit.
Mrs Barr said,
“I met Kenneth earlier this year when I was asked to moderate a panel discussion to commemorate Frederick Douglass's historic visits to Belfast.
“Kenneth’s insight into such a monumental figure and how he spoke of Frederick Douglass’s tireless campaign for equality, justice, reconciliation and peace made me realise that he would be the perfect fit for our Black History Summit.
“When we contacted him he said he admired greatly the work of the North West Migrants Forum and that he was truly excited to be getting the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue on reclaiming narratives during Black History Month.
“It is such an honour for us to have someone of his stature joining us and we look forward to him telling us about his work with the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives and telling us about his deep family connections to the late social reformer and statesman.”
Among the panellists for this year’s Summit will be Dr Naomi Green, Dr Livingstone Thompson, Dominic Nartey and Oluwaseun Awonuga with others to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Chairing the event will be former BBC journalist Donna Traynor.
Lilian Seenoi Barr said it promises to be an enlightening experience providing invaluable insights into black history, black studies and reclaiming narratives around black and minority ethnic communities.
“It is important that we recognise the struggles black individuals and communities faced and continue to face but also that we acknowledge their contributions and achievements, ultimately promoting a more comprehensive understanding of our shared history.”
The Black History Summit in Ulster University Belfast begins at 10am and runs until 3pm. It is free of charge with lunch provided.
Free transport will be provided for those travelling from Derry~Londonderry. To book a seat on the bus, follow the instructions when booking your ticket.