Northern Ireland

Belfast mayor unveils portrait of US abolitionist in city hall

John Finucane unveiled a portrait of US abolitionist Frederick Douglass
John Finucane unveiled a portrait of US abolitionist Frederick Douglass John Finucane unveiled a portrait of US abolitionist Frederick Douglass

BELFAST mayor John Finucane has hosted an event at city hall during which a portrait of US abolitionist Frederick Douglass was unveiled.

Mr Finucane unveiled the portrait along with artist Aaron Hughes in the Mayor's Parlour.

Considered a social reformer, on escaping slavery Frederick Douglass became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts.

Speaking about the unveiling, Mr Finucane said: "When I became mayor of Belfast, I paid tribute to the fact that we now live in a diverse, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural city and I think that diversity needs to be celebrated.

"I was delighted to unveil this portrait here beside me of Frederick Douglas with the artist Aaron Hughes.

"Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist. He was a former slave and he was somebody who identified with human rights causes not just in his own country but right across the world including here in Ireland.

"So, I think today was a very important event and it was one that I was delighted to host."