Blue Plaque in North Shields for leading freedom campaigner
A Blue Plaque commemorating abolitionist, writer and freedom fighter Frederick Douglass is to be unveiled in North Shields - 180 years after his historic visit to the town.
The unveiling ceremony will take place at 10am on Tuesday 4 August outside the Baptist Church, in Howard Street, where Douglass delivered two lectures in 1846 after being invited by the North Shields Anti-Slavery Society.
Douglass escaped from slavery in Maryland in 1838 and came to be widely regarded as one of the most influential figures for African-American civil rights in the 19th century.
America, Douglass was born into slavery in 1818 and, despite is escape, remained legally enslaved when he travelled to Britain to campaign against the human rights abuse.
During his time in the North East, Douglass spoke to packed audiences about the realities of slavery and the abolitionist movement.
Later that year, his legal freedom was purchased by Newcastle-born Anna and Ellen Richardson, enabling him to return to the United States as a free man.
The Blue Plaque will be installed by North Tyneside Council with support from the North Shields Heritology Project to commemorate Douglass' visit and his enduring contribution to the fight for equality and human rights.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the unveiling, which begins at 10am.
Cllr Wendy Lott, chair of North Tyneside Council, said: “Frederick Douglass was a remarkable man who helped change the course of history and it is a source of pride that North Shields played a small but significant part in his journey to freedom.
"This Blue Plaque ensures that connection will be remembered for generations to come.”