As a new statue of slavery abolitionist Frederick Douglass is unveiled in Belfast, the historian reflects on Douglass’ love for Ireland.
ANTI-SLAVERY ACTIVISM in Belfast predated the birth of Frederick Douglass. In the days of the Society of United Irishmen, the founding fathers of Irish republicanism, members of the society hosted the former slave Olaudah Equiano on an Irish speaking tour in 1791.
Abolitionist Undoubtedly though, the later Frederick Douglass is the most widely recognised abolitionist to have visited Irish shores. His 1845 speaking tour is commemorated with plaques in Wexford, Waterford, Limerick, Cork and Dublin.Now, a statue of the social reformer has been unveiled in the heart of Belfast city, the work of Scottish figurative sculptors Alan Beattie Herriot and Hector Guest.
‘Rise up’ Sharing a stage with the Irish parliamentarian, he told an audience that ‘the poor trampled slave of Carolina had heard the name of the Liberator with joy and hope, and he himself had heard the wish that some black O’Connell would yet rise up among his countrymen.’ Alamy Stock Photo Frederick Douglass with The Commissioners to Santo Domingo, Brooklyn Navy Yard, January 1871, Unknown maker, American, January 1871 Alamy Stock Photo
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