Frederick Douglass’ Chosen Birthday Marks Legacy of Freedom

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A plaque is seen for the dedication of the House Press Gallery to honor Frederick Douglass, during on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Feb., 12, 2026, in Washington. Frederick Douglass was the first African American reporter admitted into the Capitol press galleries. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
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(AURN News) — Tomorrow marks the chosen birthday of Frederick Douglass, one of the most pivotal figures in American history. Though the exact date of his birth is unknown, Douglass chose Feb. 14 as his birthday.

The choice was deeply personal: His mother, Harriet Bailey, lovingly called him “her little Valentine,” and the date stayed with him. That decision became the foundation for annual Douglass Day celebrations honoring his life and legacy.

This is an undated photo of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. (AP Photo)

Born into slavery in Cordova, Maryland, Douglass escaped bondage and rose to become a towering abolitionist, writer and orator.

His autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” exposed the brutality of slavery and fueled the fight for freedom and civil rights.

His voice still echoes wherever justice is demanded and truth is spoken.


Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Clay Cane. Follow @claycane & @aurnonline for more.

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