Sarah Parker Remond (Chester)
Sarah Parker Remond (1826, USA – 1894, Italy)
Sarah Parker Remond was a free-born African American anti-slavery activist, women’s rights campaigner and physician.
Challenging gender and racial expectations, she travelled to Europe, where she received an education denied to her in the USA.
During her European tour, Remond spent several months in Warrington, where she delivered powerful lectures on the abolition of slavery and the need for equal rights for all. Her speeches, filled with passion and conviction, resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring them to join the fight for justice. This led to her becoming a beloved figure in the town, forming strong bonds with the local community, including prominent Warrington residents active in the abolitionist movement.
The University of Chester's relocation to the heart of Warrington was a momentous occasion, marking a significant milestone in its history. This exciting move was further celebrated with the unveiling of a blue heritage plaque in honour of the esteemed African American slavery abolitionist, Sarah Parker Remond, adding to the pride and excitement of the community. The University’s tribute to Sarah Parker Remond was a collaboration with the Nubian Jak Community Trust. This collaboration, a testament to the power of community and shared values, served to honour the legacy of the distinguished lecturer, physician, and women’s rights campaigner. The event, attended by local dignitaries, including Mayor of Warrington Cllr Jean Flaherty, was organised to mark the official launch of the University Centre Warrington, following its recent move from Padgate into the town centre.
The event also marked the official opening of the University Centre Warrington’s Times Square location – a prominent town centre hub for the University Centre Warrington, which offers small lecture spaces, study zones, as well as spaces to connect students, businesses, schools, colleges, and the local community. The Times Square location is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and is designed to foster a collaborative learning environment.
“It is exciting to see this move into the town come to fruition, and the University is extremely proud to be a part of such a welcoming town that continues to grow from strength to strength. The Sarah Parker Remond House is a site dedicated to teaching the vital services that are the backbone of every community – education, health, social care and policing. We are delighted to have worked with Nubian Jak Community Trust to highlight the story of such an inspirational agent of change right here in Warrington and across the UK. Sarah Remond’s legacy deserves to be celebrated and remembered, and the installation of a blue plaque in her honour is a fitting tribute to her remarkable legacy and a significant step in ensuring that her story is not forgotten.” Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons.
“It’s remarkable that a woman born 197 years ago was able to overcome the hurdles of racism and sexism, on her way to becoming an international renown lecturer, physician and feminist icon for the ages. Nubian Jak would like to salute the University Centre, Warrington, for recognising Sarah Parker Remond with a blue heritage plaque and having a building at the University of Chester named in her honour.” Dr Jak Beula, from the Nubian Jak Community Trust.