ON July 1 2025 the North West Migrants Forum launched a ground-breaking exhibition which explores like never before the contributions of Black people to society here.
Unveiled at Derry’s Central Library, the exhibition is a significant component of the charity’s ‘Black Heritage in NI: Hidden History Project’ which began in 2022 following an award of £500,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
The exhibition traces Black history from the time of the Vikings and the Romans while also delving into the lives of African figures such as Emperor Mansa Musa, widely regarded as one of history’s richest men.
The exhibition moves seamlessly through the centuries, examining the roots of racism and the transatlantic slave trade which spanned over 400 years. It lays bare Ireland and Britain’s role in the slave economy, including how several prominent families – one of them from Donegal – owned sugar plantations in the Caribbean.
Personal stories of Black people who have left a lasting impact on our history also feature – individuals like singer Rachael Baptiste and Nobel Prize nominee Dr Raphael Armattoe. The journey of the Fisk Jubilee Singers who captivated audiences in Derry and Belfast in the 1870s with their performances of African American spirituals is also traced in this unparalleled body of work.
In terms of contemporary history, the exhibition brings viewers into the 20th century with a look at the 300,000 American GIs – among them some 15,000 African American soldiers – who were stationed in Northern Ireland during the Second World War.
Another story which has been seldom told before is that of the many Black soldiers who spent time here during The Troubles. The death of Max Olurunda, a Nigerian-born accountant who lost his life in the 1980 Dunmurry train bombing, is also recounted.
Responsible for carrying out the meticulous research behind the Hidden History exhibition were Doctor of Philosophy Naomi Green and politician, author and activist Chantelle Lunt.
