“Little Valentine” That is what enslaved woman Harriet Bailey affectionately called her
“Little Valentine” That is what enslaved woman Harriet Bailey affectionately called her son Frederick. Frederick, who was born into slavery as well, did not know when he was born. His enslaver did not allow him to ask questions about his age, much less his date of birth. After escaping and finding freedom, he was able to piece together that he was likely born in February 1817 or 1818. But the exact day still eluded him. Remembering his mother and the happiness he associated with the Valentine’s Day holiday, Frederick picked February 14th as the day he would celebrate his birthday. This Frederick is none other than Frederick Douglass (1817 or 1818-1895), the famed Black abolitionist and social activist whose extensive resume included orator, editor of The North Star newspaper, and United States Ambassador to Haiti. Because of Douglass’ chosen and reclaimed birthdate, Valentine’s Day is also celebrated as Douglass Day. The showcased images come from the first edition of Douglass’ second autobiography, My Bondage and My Freedom (1855). The engraved frontispiece is after one of his striking daguerreotype portraits. Images from: Douglass, Frederick. My Bondage and My Freedom. New York: Miller, Orton & Mulligan, 1855.Call number: E449 .D748 1855 Catalog record: https://bit.ly/3sFIvs9 -- source link
#rare books#frederick douglass#douglass day#valentines day