North West Migrants Forum

Many of the contributors, sponsors and audience members who gathered in Ulster University Belfast on Saturday for the North West Migrants Forum's fourth annual Black History Summit.

Black History Summit hailed as ‘truly inspiring’ by descendant of Frederick Douglass

KENNETH B Morris, the great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass, has described the North West Migrants Forum’s Black History Summit as “truly inspiring”.

Over 120 people gathered in Ulster University’s BC Building on Saturday to hear from a range of speakers, including Mr Morris.

“Events like this are incredibly important and I am sure there are people here today who got to hear a message they may not have heard before,” he said afterwards.

Mr Morris travelled from the USA especially for Saturday’s event 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 Douglass and to Booker T Washington, the 19th century author and educator.

Kenneth B Morris in conversation with Summit host Donna Traynor.

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.

Daisies in her hair…The incredible Winnie Ama brought a whole new dimension to the day, singing songs inspired by the life of Frederick Douglass.

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.”

The young persons panel which provided much food for thought. At the podium Oluwaloseyi Olapade with Inioluwa Olaosebikan and Seun Oawonuga.

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. She described this year’s Black History Summit as “such an important learning experience”.

“The life stories and thoughts of all the speakers and contributors highlighted the complexity and rich tapestry of our shared history.

“I especially enjoyed meeting and listening to Kenneth B Morris who spoke about his families’ legacy in fighting discrimination,” Ms Traynor added.

North West Migrants Forum CEO and Mayor of Derry and Strabane LIlian Seenoi Barr with Lord Mayor of Belfast Micky Murray.

Interim Manager of the North West Migrants Forum, Paul Sceeny, said the organisation was delighted with the overall response to the event.

“This was our fourth Black History Summit but it was the first time it was held in Belfast which helped us reach a much wider audience than in previous years.

“With these events our aim is always to provide a space for thoughtful and meaningful discussion and from the feedback we have had, I think we achieved that.

“It was great to see so many people there and I hope they all took something away from the day, something that will encourage them to explore further Ireland’s black history and heritage.

“I want to thank Donna Traynor for doing a wonderful job and I want to thank all our contributors who brought so much to the stage.

Jahswill Emmanuel of MSCNI with his colleagues and some of the fantastic food they prepared for the day.

“I also want to thank Ulster University for providing the venue. Their staff looked after us from start to finish and we can’t say enough good things about them.

“I want to thank MSCNI for the amazing food and finally I want to thank our sponsors. Without them this event would not have been possible,” Mr Sceeny added.