August 11th 2023.
A life-size statue of the famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass recently made its debut in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It marks the first time a European city has honored the former American slave with a statue of his own.
The statue stands proudly on Rosemary Street, close to where Douglass addressed crowds during his trip in 1845. The Belfast Anti Slavery Society had invited him there and he returned several times over the years, eventually declaring that Belfast was his home away from home.
The unveiling of the statue last month had a great impact on the city. Historian and professor Christine Kinealy commented that Douglass had a strong connection to Northern Ireland and Belfast in particular. Lord Mayor of Belfast Ryan Murphy also added that it is a positive news story for the city and that Douglass' writings and values are still relevant today.
Tom Thorpe, a historian and tour guide in the city, further explained that while Belfast did have citizens who owned slaves, the city opposed an attempt to set up a slave ship company in 1786. He went on to say that the anti-slavery cause was supported by people from different political standings, religious beliefs, and communities.
A group of students from the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship were present for the unveiling and enjoyed the experience. It was a great moment for the city of Belfast to honor such an incredible individual who changed the course of history.
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