Black History Summit 2024

Kenneth B Morris, great-great-great grandson of 19th century abolitionist Frederick Douglass, has been confirmed as keynote speaker for the fourth annual Black History Summit which is being held in 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. 

Also among the panellists will be Dr Naomi Green, Dr Livingstone Thompson, Dominic Nartey and Oluwaseun Awonuga with other names to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

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 secure a seat on the bus, follow the instructions when booking your ticket.

Tickets can be booked here: https://buytickets.at/northwestmigrantsforum1/1356283

If you have any questions, you can call Conor on 07842445825, reception on 02871 362184 or email c.sharkey@nwmf.org.uk