Black History Month 2024
31/10/2024
Black History Summit 2024
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.
Work has already begun on Black History Summit 2025 and we will keep you posted on developments as they happen.
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Meet Our Speakers and musicians
Compere: Donna Traynor
Donna Traynor is one of Ireland’s most respected public figures with a broadcasting career spanning over three decades. Known for presenting ‘BBC Newsline’, she covered major events like the funeral of George Best, the Titanic centenary, and Queen Elizabeth II's state visit to Ireland. She also appeared in the hit series Derry Girls and, alongside her husband, provides media training for various sectors.
Kenneth B Morris
Kenneth B Morris, Jr is the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and great-great-grandson of Booker T Washington. As Co-founder and President of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, he continues his family's legacy, focusing on ending exploitation and oppression. He has spoken at the United Nations and received numerous accolades for his work in education and anti-slavery efforts.
Alfred Abolarin
Alfred Abolarin, a 2022 CDPB leadership fellow, has over 25 years of leadership experience across various initiatives, including Interact NI and the Northern Ireland African and Caribbean Chamber of Commerce. He developed award-winning race relations initiatives at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and continues to pioneer community empowerment projects in Africa and the UK.
Dr Naomi Green
Dr Naomi Green is an expert in Islamophobia, social integration, and the Muslim community in Northern Ireland. She previously managed the ‘Hidden History Project’ at the North West Migrants Forum and now serves as Policy and Public Affairs Officer at the British Islamic Medical Association. Naomi also lectures and researches on issues of integration and belonging.
Yemi Adenuga
Yemi Adenuga made history as Ireland’s first black female public representative and Meath County Council’s first migrant councillor.
With a background in broadcasting, Yemi holds an MBA and a variety of business qualifications.
Yemi and her family also featured as the first migrant family on Gogglebox Ireland.
Duncan Morrow
Duncan Morrow is a lecturer in politics at Ulster University and Director of Community Engagement, with a focus on conflict resolution and Northern Ireland politics. He has published widely on these topics and previously served as Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council, promoting peace-building and a shared future.
Seun Awonuga
Seun Awonuga moved from Nigeria to Ireland in 2022 to study Data Science at Ulster University, where he now works as a Research Assistant. Active in the North West Migrants Forum, he co-hosted the Black History Summit and remains passionate about using his skills to support migrant communities in Northern Ireland.
Oluwaloseyi Olapade
Oluwaloseyi Olapade, of Irish-Nigerian heritage, holds an LLB from Griffith College Dublin and works as a personal assistant to Dr Ebun Joseph, supporting Ireland’s National Action Plan Against Racism. She is dedicated to fighting racial injustice and plans to sit for her FE1 exams.
Inioluwa Olaosebikan
Inioluwa Olaosebikan is a youth advocate for social action and migrant rights, serving as an #iwill Ambassador and a member of Belfast City Youth Council. She also contributes to research at Queen’s University and the National Children's Bureau, working to amplify young voices for positive change.
Beverly Simpson
Beverly Simpson, a nurse from Guyana, has been active in Northern Ireland's care sector since 2005. She advocates against workplace racism, serves as a trade union steward, and supports community initiatives through her roles at the North West Migrants Forum and the NI Women European Platform.
Olive Hill
Olive Hill, a former Director at Invest Northern Ireland, now volunteers with EXTERN and serves on the National Lottery Heritage Fund committee. She led efforts in economic growth and innovation and was awarded an OBE in 2020 for her services to the Northern Ireland economy.
Winnie Ama
Belfast-Ghanaian musician Winnie Ama blends soulful vocals with pop and dance rhythms. Praised by BBC Radio 1 and other outlets, she has performed at Glastonbury and received ‘Rising Artist’ status. Both The Belfast Telegraph and The Irish Times named her a “One to Watch” in 2024.
Donna Namukasa
Donna Namukasa, a Belfast-based social worker and Ugandan musician, uses her talents to educate on black history and culture. She has worked in community social work for over seven years and founded Nalongo Folk Music and Dance. Donna has also served as a Board Member for LORAG and collaborates with Beyond Skin, focusing on good relations in her adopted city of Belfast.
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