A new life-size statue of famous anti-slavery campaigner Frederick Douglass was unveiled in Belfast City Centre recently.
A statue dedicated to anti-slavery campaigner Frederick Douglass was unveiled in Belfast City Centre on 31 July.
The life-size statue of the famous author, anti-slavery campaigner and early women’s rights campaigner was created by renowned Scottish figurative sculptors Alan Beattie Herriot and Hector Guest.
It is located beside the historic First Presbyterian Church on Rosemary Street. This is where Douglass famously delivered lectures during his time in Belfast City.
Frederick Douglass – a famous US abolitionist and activist
Frederick Douglass was a formerly enslaved person in the United States. Amazingly, and against all odds, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in America.
People recognise Frederick Douglass as a social reformer, orator, writer, abolitionist, and statesman.
After escaping from slavery, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in New York and Massachusetts. He also became famous for his oratory skills and articulate antislavery writings.
Frederick’s relationship with Ireland began when he first visited Belfast in 1845 at the invitation of the Belfast Anti-Slavery Society. He returned for a second time in 1846.
Frederick’s links with Belfast – visited the city on two different occasions
Douglass certainly understood the plight of the Irish at the time. He admitted that the Irish were oppressed economically, religiously and socially. However, he also stated that their oppression was not on the same scale as slavery in America.
“The Irish man is poor, but he is not a slave,” he said. Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy spoke of Frederick Douglass and how inspired many.
“Frederick Douglass was an inspirational leader best known for his anti-slavery writings and campaigning, but he was also an early champion of women’s rights, and many of his values and beliefs are as relevant today as they were in the nineteenth century.
“I’m honoured to be involved in the unveiling of a statue recognising his impact. This will help people’s understanding of the positive, progressive role he played in the city’s early development.
“It is also very fitting that it is located in Rosemary Street, close to where he delivered some of his inspirational speeches,” he said.
The new life-size statue of Frederick Douglass – a project funded by Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities
The erection of the new life-size statue of Frederick Douglass brings to completion a project funded by both Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities.
Artist for the statue Alan Beattie Herriot said, “I was delighted to be commissioned to produce this memorial to Frederick Douglass, a man whose extraordinary oratory abilities allowed him to champion the fight to abolish slavery”.
Anna Slevin from the Department for Communities also added, “This landmark statue of Frederick Douglass is commendable for many reasons.
“It ties together the past, present and future of Belfast while recognising the role this city played in global events as it served as a platform for historical figures.
“Alongside its historical significance, this statue is very much a creative endeavour which enhances this part of Belfast by adding an artistic flourish to the streetscape”.
