Swansea Anti-slavery campaigner to be remembered on International Women’s Day
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) will mark International Women’s Day on March 8, by sharing the inspirational story of Swansea’s Jessie Donaldson, who bravely fought slavery in America around 170 years ago.
Professor Elwen Evans, KC, Vice-Chancellor of UWTSD, will deliver a lecture about Jessie’s work to highlight and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of the anti-slavery campaigner, activist, and teacher.
The lecture, which will take place at the University’s Reading Room in the Alex Building in Swansea, is the latest in a new annual series by UWTSD in collaboration with the University’s Women’s Network.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.
Professor Evans said:
“Jessie Donaldson has been described as a pioneer, who fought for equality and change, not only in Wales, but in the USA. Her story was once described as being ‘long forgotten.’ However, that has now changed, with a blue plaque to proudly recognise her contribution in Swansea.
“By showcasing diverse narratives such as Jessie’s, we can inspire others like her to share their work, fostering a more inclusive and empowering society.”
The blue plaque dedicated to Jessie’s work can be found on the outside wall of the University’s Dynevor Building in the city centre.
It was unveiled in 2021 on June 19 - also referred to as Juneteenth - the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Jessie travelled to Ohio in the 1850s to operate a safe house on the famous ‘underground railroad’, risking fines and prison sentences for offering shelter and protection for slaves as they tried to escape from the southern states to the north of America.
The blue plaque nomination was submitted to Swansea Council by the late Swansea cultural historian Professor Jen Wilson, founder of Jazz Heritage Wales, which is based in the city’s Dylan Thomas Centre as part of UWTSD.
Professor Wilson, who researched Jessie’s life over many years, including making several visits to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Centre in Cincinnati, said at the time:
“Jessie Donaldson, at the age of 57, left Swansea to embark on an extraordinary life of international politics on a grand scale, her house on the banks of the Ohio river was the third of the Welsh safe houses for runaway slaves.
“Throughout the American Civil War Jessie worked alongside her friends, enabling fugitives from the plantations across the river to seek freedom.”
Following the lecture there will also be an awards ceremony to mark and celebrate the achievements of women across the University.
Caroline Lewis, Head of UWTSD’s Centre for Professional Learning & Leadership (interim) and a founding member of the University’s Women’s Network said:
“On International Women’s Day we are delighted to be able to bring colleagues together to acknowledge the achievements of the past whilst also looking ahead to the future and to highlight those who are working to develop a more inclusive society.
“At the event, we will also be celebrating those nominated for our Women’s Network ‘Women of the Year’ award, marking the incredible contribution colleagues continually make to transforming education and transforming lives for both our staff and students.”
Further Information
Eleri Beynon
Head of Corporate Communications and PR
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: e.beynon@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07968 249335