OUR fourth Black History Summit took place in Ulster University Belfast on Saturday, October 26 2024.
Over 120 people gathered in Ulster University’s BC Building to hear from a range of speakers, including Kenneth B Morris, great-great-great grandson of social reformer, author and abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Mr Morris travelled from the USA especially for the Summit which was supported by the National Heritage Fund, the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, the Housing Executive and Ulster University.
He spoke of his ancestral links to both the famed abolitionist Frederick Douglas and to Booker T Washington, the 19th century author and educator.
Also on the panel was Migrants Forum board member Beverly Simpson who used a PowerPoint presentation to explain why the charity is highlighting Ireland’s black history.
Former Programmes Manager and Researcher with the North West Migrants Forum, Dr Naomi Green, spoke about the scourge of racist intimidation and the recent riots which gripped Belfast and other parts of the UK.
Former Housing Executive Race Relations Officer Alfred Abolarin discussed the importance of black history being taught in classrooms while Meath councillor Yemi Adenuga highlighted the achievements and contributions black people have made to Irish society, individuals like athlete and Olympian Rhasidat Adeleke.
Tasked with bringing the event to life through music were soul singer Winnie Ama and Ugandan vocalist and drummer Donna Namukasa.
As in previous years, food also played a central role in the day’s proceedings. Multi-Cultural Sports Northern Ireland provided dishes from five different countries.
Lunch was followed by a young persons panel made up of former student and now researcher Seun Oawonuga, student Inioluwa Olaosebikan and law graduate Oluwaloseyi Olapade.
All three spoke of their experiences of being a young black person in the Ireland of 2024.
Kenneth B Morris said that while it was important to hear every voice, there was particular value in having young people talk about their lives, their work, their hopes and their ambitions.
“It was a really fantastic conference and there were so many moments when I was truly inspired, especially at the end listening to the three young people talking about their experiences in Northern Ireland and also the work they are doing and the work they want to do.
“It was a wonderful way to end the conference because it leaves us with a sense of hope for the future.”
Mr Morris said the Summit was thought provoking in the sense that it made him consider how history will view him and his contributions.
“It made me think what our great-great-great grandchildren will say about us 150 years from now – were we on the right side of history? Were we on the wrong side of history? Of course I have no doubt that everyone who turned up today will be on the right side of history.
“But it reminds us that freedom’s torch has been passed to us and we have an obligation to make sure we carry our history forward and we continue the struggle for freedom and equality.”
Compere for the day was former BBC journalist Donna Traynor.
The North West Migrants Forum wants to thank everyone who took part and made the day such a success.
