Plaque recalls anti-slavery activist’s visit

A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the Imperial Hotel in Cork yesterday to mark a visit to the city 167 years ago by one of the most iconic figures in American history.

Frederick Douglass, a black slave who inspired the abolitionist movement in Britain, Ireland, and the US, made a visit to Cork in 1845 where he made numerous speeches on his experiences, his fight for freedom, and his eventual escape from the bonds of slavery.

One of the most spirited addresses by Douglass, who was a dazzling orator, was made in the Imperial Hotel before an audience of civic dignitaries, political leaders, and business people, including the founder of this newspaper, John Francis Maguire.

His words, which were reported at the time in the Cork Examiner, helped galvanise a campaign on both sides of the Atlantic to end slavery. His speeches and writings are still a source of inspiration, and among his admirers is US President Barack Obama.

The plaque was unveiled by John McDonough, leader of a delegation from the State of Maryland in the US, the birthplace of Douglass. Made of polished limestone, it is the work of Cork sculptor Matthew Thompson.

Mr McDonough also received a framed copy of the famous speech from Alan Crosbie, chairman of Thomas Crosbie Holdings.

The unveiling of the plaque was a central feature of the visit by the delegation from the State of Maryland and University of Maryland to Cork. Led by Mr McDonough, it included Professor Pat O’Shea, vice-president for Research at the University of Maryland and a UCC physics graduate.

UCC and the University of Maryland signed a memorandum of understanding to develop research and teaching links between both institutions while Cork County and the State of Maryland also signed a memorandum of understanding.

Dr Murphy said he was delighted at the recognition of Douglass’s achievements: “The university is very proud to join with the University of Maryland and the State of Maryland together with the Irish Examiner, the Imperial Hotel, the city and county of Cork to celebrate the connection between Frederick Douglass and Cork and also to mark his lasting legacy.