How do we know the past? Through whose eyes? Are there other pasts that might be recovered? Pasts that feature significant individuals who fought for social reform? Pasts that might unsettle what we think we know? Pasts that might potentially unify rather than divide? Pasts that feature hidden interconnections to others around the world? Pasts that might provide guidance, precedence and inspiration for social reform in the present?
This half-day symposium brings together community members and activists, international academics, archivists, museum curators and others to tackle some of these important questions and to join each other for a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives. The symposium aims to unravel the multifaceted legacy of Douglass within the Irish context, shedding light on his experiences in Northern Ireland in particular and detailing the profound impact he continues to have on work towards social justice and equality around the world. The symposium highlights the vital contributions not just of abolitionists, but of other activists including Mary Ann McCracken, Winifred Carney, Isabel Jennings and others, alongside contemporary champions of civil and human rights. Discussions and dialogue will deepen our understanding of Northern Ireland’s global connections and the rich contributions of immigrants to society, while celebrating its rich history of activism and solidarity, 180 years after Douglass’s journey.
Confirmed speakers include: Dr Margaret Ward (Clifton House), Dr Sean Napier (1798 walking tours in Belfast), Stephen Scarth (PRONI), Dr Maurice Casey (QUB), Dr Tom Thorpe and Mark Doherty (Anti Slavery Tours Belfast), Mimi Unamoyo (Bomoko NI), Israel Eguaogie (Diverse Youth NI), Dr Hannah-Rose Murray (Queen Mary University, London), Beverly Simpson and Dominic Nartey (NW Migrants Forum) and many more.
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