Twelve exceptional student leaders of color will be selected to conduct a comparative study of social justice leadership in America, South Africa, and Ireland through the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship.
During the four-week summer program, Fellows will travel to Washington, DC, Cape Town, Dublin, Derry, and Belfast to explore the legacies of Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, John Lewis, Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Daniel O’Connell, John Hume, and other giants of social change.
The program pays tribute to Frederick Douglass’ transformative experience visiting Ireland more than 175 years ago. Douglass was embraced by the Irish people and met the famous Irish reformer Daniel O’Connell who expanded Douglass’ view of social injustice and influenced his style of agitating for positive social change through non-violent social and political efforts. The Government of Ireland is again sponsoring the 2023 Fellows in celebration of this historic meeting and Ireland’s commitment to social justice and peace building.
During the four week fellowship, fellows will study how changemakers shaped pathways to peace, including the Emancipation Proclamation in America, the end of Apartheid in South Africa, and the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.
They will return home inspired to use their leadership skills to create a more just and peaceful world.