To Us It’s A Holiday, To Frederick Douglass, It’s Precious Memories

photo of frederick douglass
Via Picryl
Adé Hennis
February 13, 2025

Cradled in his mother’s lap, Frederick Douglass, or Little Valentine as his mother called him, felt like royalty. She presented the young prince with a heart-shaped cake on Valentine’s Day. However, this dessert was bittersweet, as it was the last time he’d see his mother.

Douglass never knew his exact birthday, as it was a privilege many enslaved children didn’t have. But Lil Valentine wasn’t going to let this colonial country deny his right to have one. And after securing his freedom, he chose the perfect day to celebrate.

For Douglass, February 14 wasn’t just his cake day - it was a tribute to his mother, his freedom, and the love that fueled him. But after his passing in 1895, that day took on an even greater meaning.

Inspired by his legacy, activist Mary Church Terell successfully urged the Washington D.C. Board of Education to make Douglass’ birthday a school holiday in 1897. Local Black schools embraced it. Over time, Douglass Day was recognized in other Black communities across the country.

Love and liberation shaped Douglass, driving him to uplift himself and those around him. How can you keep this spirit and loving energy alive this Douglass Day?

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