#DouglassWeek returns to the streets of Cork
A week long event celebrating the life and work a key figure in the abolition of slavery in the US is now underway on Leeside.
For the second year in a row, #DouglassWeek will see artists, musicians, poets, authors, singers, activists and community groups gather in Cork to commemorate the life of US anti-slavery campaigner Frederick Douglass.
Douglass, who spent a month in Cork in 1845 building support for the abolitionist cause in America, had a decisive impact on his nation’s path to abolishing slavery.
His work laid the foundation for the modern civil rights movement in America, inspiring leaders like the late former US Congressman John Lewis.
Born into slavery, Douglass became an influential leader in the anti-slavery movement in the United States in the 19th century.
#DouglassWeek is a collaborative event taking place in different locations around the world.
Co-organiser Dr Caroline Dunham-Schroeter said: “It's vital to commemorate the importance of the Douglass family to each location and explore what their stories mean to contemporary issues of identity, race, independence and equal rights around the world.”
Fellow Co-Organiser Kristin M Leary added: “By remembering and honouring our history and the Douglass legacy, we hope to influence and inspire transformative change today.”
The week long celebration will feature a wide range of events including performances, creative installations and critical discussions.
On Sunday at 11am, Dr Laurence Fenton, author of Frederick Douglass in Ireland, will host a walking tour of the ‘Cork Abolitionists Trail’, tracing Douglass’ footsteps across the city.
Created in partnership with Cork City Council, the trail takes in 12 locations, including the city courthouse where Douglass delivered a two-hour speech titled ‘I Am Here to Spread Light on American Slavery’.
Other highlights will include the ‘I am Remarkable’ event with Nano Nagle Place and Cork Migrant Centre, as well as ‘Frederick Douglass and the Douglass Family: A Commemoration in Word & Song’, a special event featuring Douglass descendant Kenneth B Morris Jr.
Commenting on the event, the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Colm Kelleher said: “So many great leaders and changemakers have been drawn to Cork down through time. I would encourage people to come along to the walk, talks and online events and bring along their children to educate and inform. We can learn so much from these great leaders from our past.”
#DouglassWeek will run until next Tuesday. For more information and a full list of events and times, visit douglassweek.org. Registration is required for all in person events and workshops.